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On June 18, Ben Rice started behind the plate for the first time in the major leagues.

On Tuesday, he was catching for the third time in four games and six in 12 contests.

But, really, his preparation for earning more starts there began well before that.

He made the team out of spring training as a fill-in designated hitter and part-time first baseman, but he never forgot about the position he played through the majority of his minor league career.