TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees opened camp with energy and noise. But in the middle of early workouts, one of the their most talked about bats was missing from the hitting group.
Ben Rice was not taking swings.
The Yankees slugger has been sidelined from on field hitting sessions due to a minor neck issue. The problem surfaced in the first few days of camp. Rice said he slept on his neck wrong. The discomfort has kept him from joining teammates in batting practice.
For the Yankees, it is minor. But for fans tracking every rep in February, it raised quick concern.
Yankees slugger dealing with minor neck discomfort
Rice addressed the issue in camp. He said the pain came from something simple.
“I fall asleep in one position and wake up in another — something everyone deals with,” Rice said.
The Yankees first baseman has been receiving treatment. He said he hopes to resume swinging in the coming days. The New York medical staff has not expressed alarm. Team officials have described it as precautionary.
The team has emphasized that the injury is not structural. There is no shoulder or back involvement. It is isolated neck tightness.
Rice did not hit on the field. But he remained active in other work.
Rice still active behind the plate
The neck issue did not stop Rice from catching Carlos Rodón’s bullpen session Saturday morning. That detail matters for the Yankees.
Rice is expected to serve as the Yankees’ regular first baseman in 2026. But he continues to mix in catching work. The team values his flexibility. It gives manager Aaron Boone lineup options.
Rodón, who is coming off an inconsistent 2025 season, threw a scheduled bullpen. Rice handled the session without restriction.
That signals the Yankees do not view the issue as severe.
Rice’s presence behind the plate also shows the Yankees are not limiting his movement. Catching requires neck mobility. It requires rotation and reaction.
If the Bombers were worried, Rice would not have been crouched behind Rodón.
Team offense built around Rice’s breakout power
The Yankees know what Rice means to the lineup. He emerged as one of their most productive hitters last season.
In 2025, Rice delivered a strong power profile. He drove the ball to all fields. He gave the Yankees a left handed threat in the middle of the order. His plate discipline improved. His slugging percentage jumped during the second half.
The Bronx Bombers ranked among the American League leaders in home runs last season. Rice was a major factor in that surge. His ability to handle velocity helped stabilize the team offense during stretches when other bats cooled.
That context explains why even a minor injury draws attention.
The Yankees offense depends on balance. With right handed stars anchoring the lineup, Rice provides needed left handed thunder. The Bronx Bombers are not taking chances in February.
Pitching prospect Hampton continues rehab
While Rice deals with a short term setback, another Yankees arm continues a longer journey back.
Chase Hampton threw his eighth bullpen session Saturday as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery. The Bronx Bombers right hander underwent full UCL reconstruction last March.
Hampton has thrown just 18 2 3 innings over the last two seasons because of elbow issues. He was once considered one of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects.
The Yankees added Hampton to the 40 man roster this winter to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. That move carried meaning for the young right hander.
“It took a lot of weight off my shoulders,” Hampton said. “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.”
The Yankees have not set a timetable for Hampton’s return to game action. He said he does not yet know when that step will come.
Team tone remains calm
Inside the clubhouse, there is no panic over Rice. The Yankees training staff is monitoring the issue daily. Rice is expected back in the hitting group soon.
Spring training often brings minor flare ups. The team has dealt with neck stiffness, oblique tightness, and general soreness in early camp before. Most resolve quickly.
Rice’s ability to catch Saturday reinforces the Bronx Bombers’ confidence. They are prioritizing caution over urgency.
For Yankees fans, the headline may sound louder than the reality.
Rice is receiving treatment. He is present. He is active. He is expected to swing again shortly.
In a Yankees camp that features competition and renewed expectations, the early focus remains on health. And for now, the team believes their emerging slugger will be fine.
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