Aaron Boone spoke to the media today, and in his media availability session mentioned that Ben Rice is working out with the catchers during camp, considering him an option for the Yankees’ backup catcher role.
The Yankees promoted the 26-year-old last season to make his MLB debut, and he did so playing first base when Anthony Rizzo went down with an arm injury. An organization known for developing catchers, Tanner Swanson has done excellent work helping various catchers develop as framers and blockers.
It doesn’t spell an end for Rice’s time at first base; Boone mentioned that the team would like to keep him flexible in that regard, and he could be an interesting storyline to follow as that could open the door for some more playing time.