July 5, 2026 Updated 7:21 am EDT
Ben Rice and Byron Buxton face off in a showdown of top-10 power hitters when the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins play on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. ET. Rice has 24 home runs (sixth in league) for the Yankees, and Buxton ranks fifth with 25 dingers for the Twins. Ryan Weathers (3-6, 4.08 ERA) gets the start for the Yankees, who are 49-39 this season and second in the AL East. Joe Ryan (5-5, 3.61 ERA) is starting for the Twins, who are 43-47 and third in the AL Central.
How to watch Minnesota Twins vs. New York YankeesTwins vs. Yankees odds
Injury reportsYankees
Giancarlo Stanton: 10 Day IL (Leg), Aaron Judge: 10 Day IL (Rib), Carlos Rodon: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Max Fried: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Clarke Schmidt: 60 Day IL (Elbow)
Twins
Ryan Jeffers: 10 Day IL (Hand), Bailey Ober: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Cole Sands: 15 Day IL (Forearm), Anthony Banda: 15 Day IL (Lat), Mick Abel: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Pablo Lopez: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Garrett Acton: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), David Festa: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Zebby Matthews: day-to-day (Foot)
Stats to know
New York’s Rice has hit 24 home runs this season, which ranks 6th in MLB. He has also tallied 56 RBIs (17th in MLB) and has scored 58 runs. In 356 plate appearances, he has recorded a .267 BA, .362 OBP and .564 SLG with a 12.4% walk rate and a 23.3% strikeout rate.
In 370 plate appearances, Cody Bellinger is hitting .251/.349/.429 with a .777 OPS and 10 steals on 14 attempts. He has hit 11 long balls, driven in 50 runs and scored 46 times.
Buxton has hit 25 home runs this season, which ranks 5th in MLB. He has also tallied 45 RBIs and has scored 57 runs. In 334 plate appearances, he has recorded a .269 BA, .326 OBP and .574 SLG with a 6.9% walk rate and a 24.9% strikeout rate. He has been effective on the base paths, recording seven steals on seven attempts.
In 343 plate appearances, Brooks Lee has posted a 16.3% strikeout rate and a 7% walk rate while slashing .244/.301/.429 with 14 home runs, 47 RBIs and 42 runs scored. He has stolen five bases on eight attempts.
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
Photo: Jamie Squire, Ishika Samant, Scott Taetsch, Alika Jenner / Getty Images
Jul 5, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle