Yankees' Ben Rice dealing with minor neck injury from sleeping

Rice has not yet joined teammates on the field due to the issue, but continues to work behind the plate

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Yankees slugger Ben Rice is dealing with a minor neck injury after recently sleeping on it wrong. Rice has not yet joined his teammates on the field for hitting practice, but has been receiving treatment and is hoping to resume swinging in the coming days. The neck issue did not prevent Rice from catching a bullpen session with pitcher Carlos Rodón as he continues to mix in work behind the plate in addition to his duties as the team's regular first baseman.

Why it matters

Injuries, even minor ones, can impact a player's preparation and availability during spring training, which is an important time for teams to evaluate their rosters and get players ready for the upcoming season. Rice's situation highlights how even something as simple as sleeping wrong can lead to nagging injuries that professional athletes must manage.

The details

Rice said he "fall[s] asleep in one position and wake[s] up in another — something everyone deals with." The neck issue did not prevent him from catching Rodón's bullpen session, as Rice continues to work both at first base and behind the plate. Meanwhile, pitcher Chase Hampton, who underwent Tommy John surgery last March, threw his eighth bullpen session as he continues his rehab, while other pitchers like Will Warren and Ryan Yarbrough also took the mound for live batting practice.

  • On February 14, 2026, Rice did not join his teammates on the field to hit due to the neck injury.
  • On February 15, 2026, Rice caught Rodón's bullpen session as he continues to mix in work behind the plate.

The players

Ben Rice

A Yankees slugger who is dealing with a minor neck injury after recently sleeping on it wrong.

Carlos Rodón

A Yankees pitcher whose bullpen session Rice caught despite his neck injury.

Chase Hampton

A Yankees pitcher who underwent Tommy John surgery last March and is continuing his rehab, having thrown his eighth bullpen session.

Will Warren

A Yankees pitcher who threw live batting practice, striking out Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt.

Ryan Yarbrough

A Yankees pitcher who threw live batting practice, with Amed Rosario hitting a home run off him.

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What they’re saying

“I fall asleep in one position and wake up in another — something everyone deals with.”

— Ben Rice (New York Post)

“It took a lot of weight off my shoulders. It puts me in perspective of, I got some time to get my feet under me and not have to worry about going out there and performing so early. I feel like right now, I'm in a really good spot to continue what I'm doing and continue to get better each day.”

— Chase Hampton, Yankees pitcher (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in Rice's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to return to full team activities.

The takeaway

Even minor injuries like a sleeping-related neck issue can impact a player's availability and preparation during spring training, highlighting the importance of managing these types of nagging problems for professional athletes. Meanwhile, the Yankees' pitching depth is being tested as players like Hampton continue to work their way back from injuries.