The New York Yankees placed as many as five players on injury list ahead of opening day matchup against Houston Astros. Besides ace Gerrit Cole, a notable name of the list happened to be veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu. The third baseman has been placed on 10-day IL with right foot contusion.
With DJ LeMahieu’s return timeline uncertain, the New York Yankees traded infielder Jon Berti from the Miami Marlins in a three-team trade deal. However, to his misfortune, Berti couldn’t report in time for opening day, which paved the way for utility player Oswaldo Cabrera. Cabrera ended the game by being an absolute match-winner.
Oswaldo Cabrera’s Solo Home Run Shot Guides Yankees To 5-4 Win Over Astros!
The New York Yankees had already landed in Houston for their opening day game against the Astros before the front office materialized the final trade of the off-season. In a three-team trade, the Yanks received INF Jon Berti for catcher Ben Rortvedt. However, the news reached Berti late, and he boarded the first flight to Houston to join the camp on time. He made it to the team hotel at 2.AM in the morning, and before he could catch a breath, the Yanks were scheduled to step out for the opening day. Hence, to avoid extra strain on Berti’s physique, skipper Aaron Boone penciled utility player Oswaldo Cabrera at third base in the absence of veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu.
Meanwhile, Oswaldo Cabrera, with a lot to prove this season, smashed his opportunity out of the park. After singling and scoring off Valdez in the fifth inning, the utility man went deep to slam a solo shot off reliever Rafael Montero in the sixth inning, thus leveling the scores. Owing to Cabrera’s courageous hit, the New York Yankees finished 5-4 to secure a crucial opening-day matchup. While the utility player earned praise for his home run, his game plan this year is to not rely on home runs alone. “We got all the power hitters around me, so right now I’m just trying to put the ball in [play],” said Cabrera. That being said, the opening-day heroics are just a stepping stone for Cabrera, who intends to make a strong impression this year.
Anthony Volpe Appear A Better Hitter In Sophomore Season!
In his much anticipated rookie season, New York Yankees shortstop, Anthony Volpe recorded second-lowest on-base percentage at .283 amongst 134 qualified hitters across the league. However, on the opening day of his sophomore season, Volpe already seemed a better version of his old season. He reached on base four times in his five plate appearances vs Astros on Thursday.
Anthony Volpe was walked three times, including a double that helped the New York Yankees win 5-4 over the Houston Astros. “I think he looks like a way better hitter, period,” said manager Aaron Boone. Notably, Volpe tweaked his swing this spring and improved his overall strike to ensure a better connection. The trailer so far seems promising. Hopefully, the kid executes the picture to perfection for a breakout season.
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