The Yankees are preparing for Game 1 of the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday evening, with Gerrit Cole and Michael Wacha as the starting pitchers. However, the team is dealing with significant injury issues, especially at first base, where Anthony Rizzo is expected to miss the first round of the playoffs due to two broken fingers on his right hand.

Rizzo’s injury and seasonal struggles

Rizzo has had a challenging season, plagued by injuries. He managed to play just 92 games and post a disappointing .228/.301/.335 batting line. Although his numbers were below average, Rizzo showed signs of improvement in the final days of the regular season before his progress was halted by this latest setback.

With Rizzo sidelined, the Yankees are now forced to consider alternate options at first base. This week, manager Aaron Boone indicated that Ben Rice, recently promoted from Triple-A, would likely fill in for Rizzo. However, the decision to start Rice could be a risky move.

Boone’s perspective on the Yankees’ first base options

“As for first base, if Rizzo can’t go, it’s Ben Rice, who gained valuable experience this year. Clearly, Oswaldo Cabrera has been an excellent utility player who can fill in. We’ll look at some other guys there,” Boone said, via MLB.com.

Rice, who was called upon to provide depth at first base, struggled during his 50-game stint in the Majors this season. He slashed .171/.264/.349, with a 73 wRC+, indicating he was 27% worse than the average MLB hitter. Despite running at an 11.2% pace, Rice struggled to make consistent contact, and after a promising start, he regressed significantly.

Rice’s late-season rise and potential

However, Rice finished the season on a high note, hitting .321 through the final two weeks of September with four home runs and 11 RBIs. His recent form suggests he has the potential to make an impact, but as we know, pitching in the playoffs presents a much tougher challenge than what he faced in the minors. Rice possesses underrated power, and if he can make solid contact, he has the ability to launch a ball over the right-field wall. But is that enough to start him in a crucial playoff series?

Should Oswaldo Cabrera get the nod?

An alternative option the Yankees should seriously consider is Oswaldo Cabrera. The 25-year-old utility player has played 109 games this season, hitting .247/.296/.365 with eight home runs and 36 RBIs and posting an 88 wRC+, which statistically makes him about 15% better than Rice.

Cabrera is also heating up and has delivered a strong September. Through 29 plate appearances, he hit .280 with a 110 wRC+, proving he can contribute offensively when called upon. Given Cabrera’s more extensive MLB experience and recent performances, he could be the more reliable choice at first base in the playoffs.

Riding the Hot Hand in the late season

While Ben Rice offers potential and has flashed power, the Yankees should have the right hand, especially considering the level of pitching they will face in the postseason. Cabrera has earned his spot with his solid play down the stretch, and he brings both defensive versatility and an established MLB track record to the team.

Additionally, Cabrera’s ability to perform under pressure and his recent form suggest he is better equipped to handle the rigors of postseason baseball than Rice, who struggled during his midseason call-up and was subsequently demoted.

The right choice for first base

There is no doubt that Ben Rice has the potential to be a valuable asset to the Yankees’ future, and he will be an important reserve off the bench. However, when it comes to starting at first base in the ALDS, the Yankees will have to lean on their more experienced and in-form player in Oswaldo Cabrera. Cabrera has proven himself both offensively and defensively and has likely earned the right to start at first base in this crucial playoff series.

For a team looking to make a deep postseason run, trusting MLB-proven talent over an untested rookie in the heat of the playoffs seems like a smarter move.