Yankees 1B Ben Rice dealing with minor neck injury

Rice expected to be ready for start of season despite sleeping-related issue

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice is working through a minor neck injury, but the team expects him to be ready for the start of the season. Rice said the injury was not from any baseball activity, but rather from falling asleep in an awkward position and waking up with the issue. He has yet to hit in the batting cages but did catch a bullpen session over the weekend.

Why it matters

The Yankees are already dealing with several key injuries to start the season, including to pitchers Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, as well as top prospect Anthony Volpe. While Rice's injury appears minor, the team will want to ensure he is fully healthy heading into the year as he is expected to play a significant role at first base.

The details

Rice, who is coming off a breakout 2025 season in which he posted an .836 OPS with 26 home runs and 65 RBIs, said the neck issue was not from any baseball activity but rather from "falling asleep in one position and waking up in another." He has yet to hit in the batting cages but did catch a bullpen session from Rodon on Saturday. Rice is expected to serve as a secondary option behind the plate to Austin Wells this season while getting the bulk of his playing time at first base, even after the Yankees re-signed Paul Goldschmidt.

  • On Saturday, Rice caught a bullpen session from pitcher Carlos Rodon.

The players

Ben Rice

A New York Yankees first baseman who is coming off a breakout 2025 season.

Gerrit Cole

A New York Yankees pitcher who is dealing with an injury to start the 2026 season.

Carlos Rodon

A New York Yankees pitcher who is dealing with an injury to start the 2026 season.

Anthony Volpe

A top prospect in the New York Yankees organization who is dealing with an injury to start the 2026 season.

Cam Schlittler

A New York Yankees player dealing with a minor back issue.

Austin Wells

A New York Yankees catcher expected to be the primary option behind the plate this season.

Paul Goldschmidt

A first baseman who the New York Yankees re-signed in the offseason.

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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)

What’s next

The Yankees will continue to monitor Rice's progress and ensure he is fully healthy before the start of the season.

The takeaway

While the Yankees are dealing with several key injuries to start the 2026 season, Ben Rice's neck issue appears to be a minor one that should not impact his availability for Opening Day. The team will want to ensure he is fully recovered, but this injury highlights the unpredictable nature of ailments that can arise from everyday activities rather than baseball itself.