Utility player Oswaldo Cabrera entered spring training with a lot of hope to somehow turn the negative narrative around. He had a brutal year in 2023 offensively and had his Yankees career on the line this season. That being said, while Cabrera was slated to begin the season on the bench, a late injury crisis led to his promotion.
Veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu injured his right foot after being hit by a foul ball. And due to untimely recovery, the New York Yankees placed him on 10-day IL only to witness Oswaldo Cabrera explode in his absence. Meanwhile, reacting on his resurgence, the utilityman credited his superstar Yankee teammate.
Oswaldo Cabrera Taking Cues From Superstar Juan Soto In His Potential Breakout Season!
The New York Yankees had an unexpected hero to cheer for in the 2024 MLB season-opening series against the Houston Astros. Utility player Oswaldo Cabrera, who got a promotion off the bench at the last minute after DJ LeMahieu’s foot injury, broke all shackles to exceed expectations. He led the team to a victory on opening day with a season-first home run and followed it up with a career-high five-hits game. Not only that, Cabrera came alive in the series finale when he slammed his second home run of the season to tie up scores 3-3. So far this season, Oswaldo Cabrera is hitting .438 with two home runs, six RBIs, and 1.346 OPS in 16 at-bats. Needless to say, the utility player had made an undeniable statement this year.
However, interestingly, Oswaldo Cabrera had a terrible spring season this year. He could manage only one hit across 23 at-bats. So, what led to a sudden resurgence? When asked the man of the hour himself, he credited Juan Soto’s influence massively for his resurgence. While talking to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Cabrera said the pre-season practice with his coach helped him regain lost confidence. Moreover, he also watched Juan Soto batting in the cage to learn and observe his style. “I know it’s funny, but that guy has a lot of things that make Soto be Soto,” said Cabrera. Notably, both Cabrera and Soto have been the New York Yankees’ guiding force in the opening series against the Houston Astros. As the team moves forward, it is important for the duo to maintain the red-hot form.
“He’s Dawg,” Alex Verdugo Credits’ The Soto Effect’ For Yankees Hot Start!
The New York Yankees are leading AL-East by clean sweeping Houston Astros in their 2024 MLB season opening series. While reacting to the overwhelming start, Yanks left fielder Alex Verdugo credited ‘The Soto Effect’ for the team’s renewed energy. “We’re dawgs out there,” said Verdugo.
The outfielder added that he loves how Juan Soto controls the zone and doesn’t let the moment get too big. He is elated to be on the same team with the generational talent, and so far, his presence has had the Yankees excited. With a dream start, the Bronx Bombers now have to capitalize on the momentum on the road before heading back home in the Bronx.
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