The New York Yankees will face the Los Angeles Angels without Giancarlo Stanton on Wednesday, as he takes a breather after playing in the last two games. In his absence, Jasson Dominguez will step in as the designated hitter, batting eighth, while Ben Rice makes his first start of the season at catcher. Rice has had limited opportunities since his call-up, primarily playing designated hitter or first base due to the presence of established players like Paul Goldschmidt. His versatility is being tested as the Yankees look to leverage his left-handed bat in an effort to break a five-game losing streak.

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.

Giancarlo Stanton is set to return to the New York Yankees lineup against the Los Angeles Angels after missing the first 70 games of the season due to elbow injuries. The 35-year-old designated hitter's return brings optimism as the Yankees maintain a 3.5-game lead in the American League East. Last year, Stanton posted a .233 batting average with 27 home runs across 114 games, showcasing his power during the Yankees’ postseason run, where he hit .273 with seven home runs. His absence allowed Ben Rice to step into the DH role, where he performed adequately, hitting .227 with a 113 OPS+.

Giancarlo Stanton, the New York Yankees' designated hitter, is set to return after a stint on the injured list. His comeback is anticipated ahead of the Yankees' matchup against the Los Angeles Angels, following recovery from tendon injuries in both elbows. Stanton's extensive rehab included games with Double-A Somerset, where he delivered impressive stats, hitting .273 with four RBIs in three games.

Despite Stanton's absence, the Yankees maintain a robust offense, ranking among the top teams in the MLB in wRC+ and OPS. Manager Aaron Boone faces a challenging yet exciting dilemma: fitting Stanton into a lineup boasting Aaron Judge, Jasson Dominguez, and others, while balancing the designated hitter position and outfield slots effectively. The Yankees may also explore utilizing Ben Rice at catcher to maximize offensive potential. As Stanton integrates back into the lineup, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on the shifting dynamics within the Yankees' batting order.

The New York Yankees are on a scoring spree, averaging 7.8 runs over the last five games. Despite Ben Rice's impressive 12 home runs this season, he hasn't connected in this series. However, he may find success against Royals pitcher Seth Lugo, who has yielded five home runs in his last three outings. Rice's better performance against right-handed pitchers, with eight of his homers against them, adds to his potential. Currently, his odds to hit a home run are pegged at +525, marking him as a favored pick for bettors.

In addition to Rice, other players also present strong betting value. Spencer Torkelson from the Tigers, with a line of +475, is on a five-game hitting streak, while Carlos Correa of the Twins shows promise at +575, particularly against left-handers. The upcoming games on June 12 feature a plethora of home run prop bets, bolstered by SportsLine's computer model insights, which has been markedly successful in its predictions.