TAMPA, Fla. — Although Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice ’s left elbow was still swollen and sore on Easter Sunday morning from his Saturday hit by pitch, the left-handed-hitting rising star wasn’t ready to return to the lineup for a series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays.

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New York Yankees leadoff hitter Ben Rice bruised his left elbow when hit by an 88.2 mph slider from Manuel Rodríguez in the fourth inning of Saturday's 10-8, 10-inning loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Rice,