Ben Rice joins Aaron Judge as the only Yankees draft picks to hit 40 home runs in a season 💥 https://t.co/vFn7Z1OluG

What happened: Ben Rice hit his 40th home run of the season, becoming only the second New York Yankees draft pick to reach the milestone in a single year. The feat places him alongside Aaron Judge in the franchise's history books.

Why it matters: The emergence of a second homegrown power threat provides vital support for a New York lineup navigating Aaron Judge's rib injury. Rice's run production has helped maintain the club's position in the standings down the stretch.

By the numbers: The Yankees carry an 86-65 record into their scheduled game against the 92-60 Tampa Bay Rays, with the current series tied at 1-1.

What to watch: The Yankees will continue to lean on Rice's production as they host Tampa Bay and prepare for the upcoming postseason.

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