"It’s hard to put into words” – Yankees prospect Ben Rice shares his excitement about making MLB debut Tuesday night

It is a dream come true for New York Yankees prospect Ben Rice. The 25-year-old has finally earned his promotion to the MLB after being drafted by the Yankees in 2021. Now, the young infielder will be given an opportunity to man the first base position and prove that he deserves a long-term role with the club moving forward.

A 12th-round pick of the 2021 MLB Draft, Ben Rice has been a strong contributor for the New York Yankees in the minor leagues. Now, he will attempt to continue that level of success in the major league. Although his promotion came in the wake of a devastating injury to star Anthony Rizzo, he has certainly been worthy of a shot.

"Excited is definitely an understatement. I'm thrilled to be here." Ben Rice on making his big-league debut with the Yankees and Brad Ausmus' advice for him" - @snyyankees

The young hitter will make his MLB debut on Tuesday night against the Baltimore Orioles, something that he is beyond excited for. "It’s hard to put into words," Rice said when asked about his feelings before his MLB debut. "Excited is definitely an understatement. I'm thrilled to be here," he continued.

Rice's MLB debut will come against the New York Yankees' division rivals, the Baltimore Orioles. He won't have to wait long to take part in his first at-bat as the hitting prospect is set to bat sixth in the lineup during his debut.

Ben Rice's debut will coincide with Brad Ausmus stepping in as Yankees manager

The MLB debut for Rice will be even more special as it will come at the same time as New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus will serve as manager. Everyday manager Aaron Boone is away from the team to attend the graduation of his son, so Ausmus is slated to be Rice's manager during his debut.

The reason why this is noteworthy is the fact that the pair has multiple connections to one another. Rice is the first catcher drafted out of Dartmouth College since Ausmus. While Ausmus never played for Dartmouth, he did study there.

"Brad Ausmus says he's known Ben Rice for about four years and says he excitedly texted Brian Cashman when the Yankees drafted him, as a fellow catcher from Dartmouth" - @snyyankees

Prior to the game, Ausmus explained that he knew Ben Rice before the New York Yankees drafted him. According to Ausmus, he has two friends connected to Rice's family, which adds to the relationship between the pair.