Yankees' Paul Goldschmidt to mentor Ben Rice at first base

Paul Goldschmidt will take a supporting, mentoring role while Ben Rice is expected to receive the majority of playing time at first base for the Yankees this season; Goldschmidt is projected to be used mainly against left-handed pitchers and as a late-inning defensive substitute.

Paul Goldschmidt and Ben Rice are working together during New York Yankees spring training as the team adjusts their roles at first base. Rice, almost 27, is expected to receive the majority of playing time at first base this season. Goldschmidt, 38, is expected to play mostly against left-handed pitchers and serve as a late-inning defensive substitute. The two have developed a friendly, mentoring relationship after sharing a season together last year. Key details: - The Yankees plan for Ben Rice to get the bulk of time at first base this season. - Paul Goldschmidt is expected to be used primarily in lefty-righty matchups and as a defensive substitute late in games. - Goldschmidt has won four Gold Glove awards over 15 major-league seasons. - Last season Rice hit .255 with 26 home runs, 65 RBIs and an .836 OPS in 138 games, including 50 games (370 innings) at first base. - FanGraphs calculated Rice at minus-2 Defensive Runs Saved at first base, and an opposing scout described his defense as "plodding" in a text message to The Athletic. - Goldschmidt signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal last season and agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Yankees this offseason. Summary: Rice is slated for increased responsibility at first base while Goldschmidt adopts a supporting, mentorship role. Their performances in spring training and the regular season will determine how those roles settle; Undetermined at this time.