Ben Rice and Dad to Team Up for Home Run Derby at All-Star Game

The excitement surrounding the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby is palpable, especially for Yankees’ rising star Ben Rice. After earning his first invitation to the Midsummer Classic, the 27-year-old slugger has announced that he will also participate in the Home Run Derby. With 25 home runs to his name this season, Rice has continued to impress following a breakout year in 2022. In a heartwarming twist, Rice revealed that his father, Dan Rice—who pitched for Brown University in the 1980s—will be serving as his pitcher during the event.

Currently, the only other confirmed participant is the Rays’ Junior Caminero. However, both Rice and Caminero have already made compelling cases as potential champions, even before the full roster of competitors is revealed. The last Yankee to claim the Home Run Derby trophy was none other than Aaron Judge, who dazzled fans at Marlins Park during his unforgettable rookie season in 2017.

While Rice prepares for his moment in the spotlight, the Yankees are grappling with their own challenges. The team has struggled recently, culminating in a concerning performance on Tuesday. Matching their dismal 17-strikeout total from Monday, the Yankees recorded 34 strikeouts over the last two games, surpassing their previous two-game record of 31. This streak of misfortune has left many fans disheartened, with head coach Aaron Boone facing mounting pressure.

Amidst the turmoil, there is a glimmer of hope for the Yankees as Max Fried appears to be making strides toward a return to the rotation. Scheduled to face hitters in a live batting practice session on Saturday at Double-A Somerset, Fried has been sidelined since mid-May due to a bone bruise in his elbow. If all goes well, he could rejoin the team before the month concludes, providing much-needed assistance.

In the lineup, Anthony Volpe’s struggles have led to growing calls for José Caballero to receive more playing time at shortstop. Despite Caballero’s two home runs in a recent game that contributed to a rare victory, his performance over the past few weeks has been mediocre, mirroring Volpe’s own challenges. Fans may be clamoring for a change, but the reality is that the team’s offensive woes persist, leaving them searching for answers.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.