With Rizzo down, Rice staying ready ahead of potential ALDS nod

NEW YORK -- Ben Rice was at the Yankees’ complex in Tampa, Fla., earlier this week, participating in what he called the “stay ready” group, a collection of players keeping their skills sharp just in case of an emergency call that the Yankees hoped they would not have to make.

By Sunday, Rice was back in pinstripes at first base at Yankee Stadium, having been summoned shortly after Anthony Rizzo fractured the fourth and fifth fingers of his right hand after being hit by a pitch from the Pirates’ Ryan Borucki.

“It’s tough to see Rizzo go down like that,” Rice said, “but at the same time, I’m excited to get back.”

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he considers Rizzo “very much a long shot” to be ready for the American League Division Series, which could create an opportunity for the 25-year-old Rice.

Boone said Oswaldo Cabrera is also a starting option at first base, where Trent Grisham and Jon Berti have also taken grounders recently.

Should that ALDS nod go to Rice, he said it “would mean the world.”

“I just want to help this team win any way I can,” Rice said. “So to be in the lineup in the [Division Series] would be awesome.”

Promoted from the Minors in June after Rizzo sustained a right forearm fracture in a collision at first base, Rice enjoyed some highlight moments with the Bombers, including a three-homer game against the Red Sox on July 6.

Overall, though, Rice batted .171 (26-for-152) with seven homers and 23 RBIs in 50 big league games. He finished his season strong with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, batting .269 (18-for-67) with a double, nine homers and 23 RBIs in his final 19 games.

“I think it was just having a plan, sticking to it when I come up to bat,” Rice said. “Just sticking to my strengths, sticking to my approach … and I think the results showed that.”

Speaking after Sunday’s win over the Pirates, Rizzo had a brace protecting his hand as he expressed hope for a quick recovery, saying that he has been told it can be possible to play with the fractured fingers.

Rizzo had been swinging the bat well before the injury, going 10-for-26 (.385) with two doubles in his previous eight games. The Yankees kept the door open for a possible return by not placing Rizzo on the injured list, which would have ruled him out for the ALDS.

“We want to see these days unfold and, by the middle [or] end of the week, [gauge] what he’s capable of doing to see if it’s even a possibility,” Boone said.

The issue would be pain tolerance; Rizzo said that he will continue to receive treatment before attempting to swing a bat on Thursday or Friday.

“I’ll definitely do my best,” Rizzo said. “This is what you dream of, playing in October.”