Ben Rice shows he still has a lot to learn, but Tino Martinez thinks his future’s bright

There is still a learning curve for Ben Rice — at the plate and at first base.

Both were on display in the Yankees’ 3-2 loss to the A’s on Wednesday night at the Stadium, as the first baseman botched a few balls in the field and struck out four times in a game for the first time in his major league career.

He wasn’t helped by low throws from Yankees infielders throughout a frigid night in the Bronx.

Nevertheless, the rough outing looks like a blip in what has been a terrific start to the season for the 27-year-old, catching the eye of one of his predecessors at first base, Tino Martinez.