The New York Yankees patiently await veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu’s return from a foot injury sustained in spring training. He traveled with the team on the road in Cleveland and is expected to be in Toronto as well. However, his immediate entry to the starting lineup is still uncertain.
In his absence, utility player Oswaldo Cabrera has seized the opportunity to produce an extraordinary start. He had .400 bating average in the first week before Jon Berti replaced him at third base. However, Cabrera once again showcased why he deserves the everyday spot on the Yankees lineup by coming out on hot in doublheader Saturday against Cleveland Guardians.
Oswaldo Cabrera Homers Right After Return In Yankees Starting Lineup Vs Guardians!
After DJ LeMahieu’s last-minute injury, the New York Yankees signed Jon Berti as infield reinforcement. However, Berti landed late for the opening series against the Houston Astros, thus propelling Oswaldo Cabrera’s promotion to third base. And Cabrera became an instant hit with a couple of home runs and career-high hit games. However, despite a strong start, the utility player had to be benched to accommodate Berti. Regardless, Cabrera didn’t give up and kept fighting until a spot opened up for him in Saturday’s doubleheader against Cleveland Guardians. Jon Berti was placed on IL ahead of the series due to a left groin strain, and hence, Cabrera got to start in both games.
Needless to say, Oswaldo Cabrera seized the opportunity to prove why he deserves to be the New York Yankees everyday starter this season. He produced two hits, including a double and a two-run homer, collecting three RBIs between both games against Guardians. And now, across 11 games, the utilityman is hitting .317/.378/.585, including three homers and 11 RBIs. Besides, he boasts a 22.2% strikeout rate, 8.9% walk rate, and an impressive 181 wRC+. For any MLB team, lower-order production is a massive plus and a luxury. And for the Bronx Bombers, the underdogs have exceeded the expectations this year. Overall, with Oswaldo Cabrera heading towards a breakout year, manager Aaron Boone will face a deep conundrum while stacking up a balanced starting lineup. Regardless, it’s a good headache for Boone, who struggled with depth until last season.
Jon Berti Placed On 10-Day IL With Groin Strain
Injured DJ LeMahieu’s replacement, Jon Berti, barely lasted two series before hitting an injury slump ahead of the Guardians series. The New York Yankees announced a few roster moves prior to the doubleheader, which confirmed Berti’s IL stint. Berti will serve a minimum of 10 days on IL left groin strain, which he suffered during Wednesday’s loss to the Marlins.
“I don’t think it’s overly severe. But I don’t have a timeline for you,” Aaron Boone briefed the media on the infielder’s injury status. As reinforcement, the New York Yankees summoned Kevin Smith from Triple-A. However, until DJ LeMahieu eventually returns, skipper Boone will most likely rely on Oswaldo Cabrera to start at third base since he is hot on the plate this season.
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