Ben Rice is set to make his MLB debut as the starting catcher for the New York Yankees, marking a pivotal moment in his career. With Giancarlo Stanton taking a breather, Rice's first start comes amidst a five-game losing streak for the Yankees, who are seeking a competitive edge. At 26, Rice's journey has seen him transition from minor league training to the big leagues, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone has praised his defensive skills, calling a recent two-inning stint 'noticeably excellent.'

However, Rice's recent offensive performance has been lackluster, hitting just .130 over his last week with no extra-base hits, so tonight’s game will be a critical test of his resilience at the plate. Yankees' lineup flexibility is on display with this move, and Rice has the opportunity to solidify his role going forward. A strong performance could be a turning point for both him and the struggling Yankees lineup.