The New York Yankees have already experimented with several lineup combinations early in the 2025 MLB season, and Thursday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks will feature another new batting order.
Ben Rice will lead off and play first base, filling in for veteran Paul Goldschmidt, who will get the night off. Although Rice has mostly served as the Yankees’ designated hitter, this will be his first time batting leadoff and playing first base in his career.
When asked about the decision to bat Rice at the top of the order, Yankees manager Aaron Boone offered a simple, one-word explanation: “Rakes.”
Aaron Boone is asked why he landed on Ben Rice as the Yankees' leadoff hitter tonight:
"Rakes." pic.twitter.com/ATd530fgjJ
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) April 3, 2025
Sometimes, a brief response is all it takes to justify a manager’s decision.
Through five games this season, Rice, 26, is hitting .385/.429/.923 with two home runs, two RBIs, and five strikeouts in 13 at-bats. He’s been seeing the ball well early on, and Boone appears optimistic that Rice can provide a spark from the leadoff spot.
After sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers in their season-opening series, the Yankees have dropped their last two games to the Diamondbacks and will aim to secure a win in Thursday’s series finale.
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