Yankees Anticipate Carlos Rodón’s Return Sunday—But What’s the Real Impact of Ben Rice’s Mysterious Hand Injury?

Alright, here’s the scoop straight from the heart of New York baseball frenzy. Carlos Rodón is gearing up to hop back into the Yankees’ pitching rotation as they face off in Milwaukee. It’s been a long haul for Rodón, recovering not just from elbow surgery last October but also dealing with a pesky hamstring tightness that threw a wrench in his comeback plans. Meanwhile, first baseman Ben Rice is still sidelined with a bruised left hand, missing his third start in a row, but Yankees skipper Aaron Boone is optimistic—he doesn’t think Rice’s injury is serious enough to land him on the injured list. Meanwhile, Paul Goldschmidt is stepping up, starting at first against the Texas Rangers, covering for Rice’s absence as the slugger boasts some eye-popping stats. And there’s more drama on the mound: rookie Elmer Rodríguez just got sent back to Triple-A after battling the Rangers, and Yerry de los Santos came up as bullpen reinforcement before being optioned back down after a solid relief stint. Not to be outdone, Gerrit Cole is inching closer in his rehab from Tommy John surgery, showing flashes of his old form. With the Yankees boasting the best starting ERA in the majors and sitting atop the AL East—though barely, just a game clear—the stage is set for a riveting stretch ahead. It’s the kind of rollercoaster ride only baseball can deliver, and I’m here for every twist and turn. LEARN MORE.