In a significant development for the New York Yankees, infielder Oswaldo Cabrera has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a serious left ankle fracture. This announcement was made by the team today, and in a corresponding move, DJ LeMahieu has been reinstated from the injured list. This news comes in the wake of the Yankees' recent victory over the Seattle Mariners, where they secured an 11-5 win.
The primary focus following last night's game was not solely on the Yankees' triumph but rather on Cabrera's unfortunate injury. According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, Cabrera sustained the ankle injury while attempting to score on a sacrifice fly. The situation escalated, leading to him being loaded onto a stretcher and transported to a local hospital via ambulance. An update on Cabrera's condition is expected later today, but early indications suggest he may face a prolonged absence from the field.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed concern regarding the severity of Cabrera's injury, stating, “I think everyone understands it was a pretty serious situation. Just praying for our guy Cabby tonight and hoping for the best. Trust that he’s in good hands as he goes through the night.” His comments reflect the team's solidarity and concern for their teammate, who is well-regarded within the locker room.
With Cabrera likely facing an extended recovery period, the Yankees must address a critical situation regarding their infield depth. The team already had questions surrounding their infield mix, and Cabrera's absence exacerbates this issue. Anthony Volpe and Paul Goldschmidt remain key players at shortstop and first base, respectively. However, positions at second and third base are now major uncertainties.
Currently, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is unable to contribute due to a high-grade oblique strain that is expected to sideline him for at least another month. Fortunately, the Yankees will welcome back DJ LeMahieu, who was anticipated to return prior to Cabrera’s injury. LeMahieu, despite a challenging previous season where he posted a .204/.269/.259 batting line, has a proven track record as a reliable hitter in Major League Baseball. His recent performance during a rehab assignment has been positive, which could position him as a crucial player in the Yankees' infield.
As the Yankees navigate this personnel shake-up, Jorbit Vivas is currently holding down second base, though he has struggled with a .158/.304/.211 line in ten games. The team also has Pablo Reyes and Oswald Peraza on the roster; however, both have faced difficulties at the plate, with Reyes hitting a lowly .174/.240/.174, and Peraza posting a slightly better but still concerning .204/.278/.388 in 54 plate appearances this season. It’s likely that Peraza could see some time platooning with the lefty-swinging Vivas at whichever position LeMahieu does not occupy.
As the Yankees move forward, the focus will be on how they can adapt to the loss of Cabrera and make the most of their existing talent while looking to bolster their infield options.
