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By Aaliyan Mohammed
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Yankees re-signed Paul Goldschmidt, and that move could directly impact Ben Rice's role on the team.
At the end of last season, it became clear that Rice was a better option as the regular first baseman than Goldschmidt. However, Goldschmidt still crushed left-handed pitching and can play a role. However, Aaron Boone made it clear that if the team is healthy, Goldschmidt will be more of a role player and that Rice is the primary first baseman.
"(Goldschmidt's) prepared for everything," Boone told reporters in a clip posted by SNY. "Obviously, Ben Rice has earned that next step, even after having 550 plate appearances last year for (Rice). I'm hoping that even goes up this year, but I see Goldy playing a big role, even if we are all healthy, but more of a role player if we're all healthy."
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According to New York Daily News' Gary Phillips, Boone noted that Rice could catch a bit more with Goldschmidt back, but Rice is expected to primarily play first base and will regularly play against lefties as well. Rice made just 46 starts at first base last season, and made plenty of starts as a designated hitter while Giancarlo Stanton was out.
However, with everyone healthy, he figures to be starting at first base daily, with Goldschmidt coming off the bench. If Boone wants Goldschmidt in the lineup with a lefty on the mound, he could use Rice as the catcher since the designated hitter spot belongs to Stanton.
More MLB: How Yankees Starting Rotation Could Look With Key Members Injured
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