STANTON ON TRACK, BUT WHAT HAPPENS TO RICE?

Giancarlo Stanton is almost ready to rise from the injured list like a phoenix with sore elbows. The Yankees slugger, sidelined by a delightful double dose of elbow tendonitis, is set to begin a rehab stint with the Double-A Somerset Patriots, per Bryan Hoch. 

For Yankee fans, this is mostly good news—Stanton's power is undeniable, and his return adds another thumper to the lineup. But for manager Aaron Boone? Well... let’s just say decision-making hasn’t always been his strong suit.

In theory, Stanton could be back in pinstripes within two weeks, depending on how well he looks during his minor league tune-up. But his return brings a looming question—what happens to Ben Rice?

Rice has been a revelation: a breath of fresh air in a dugout full of stale million-dollar contracts. He’s been producing, energizing, and making the case for himself to stay. And yet, we all know how the Yankees operate. If you’ve got a massive contract and a name-brand bat—broken elbows or not—you’re getting penciled in. That's just how this franchise rolls: talent be damned, the money plays.

To be fair, Stanton has been a fan favorite when he’s healthy and mashing. But replacing a red-hot Rice with a guy fresh off the IL and likely wearing more kinesiology tape than a CrossFit tournament feels...wrong. Still, the Yankees have a history of letting big contracts dictate the lineup card, no matter how rickety the bodies attached to them become.

So yes, Stanton’s return is technically a good thing. The man can still send baseballs into low orbit. But the real drama will unfold in how the Yankees juggle Rice and Stanton. Boone’s got a puzzle on his hands. Let’s just hope he doesn’t try to solve it with a hammer.

Stay tuned—this is either a comeback story or the beginning of another awkward roster shuffle. Classic Yankees.