Harrison Bader, Oswaldo Cabrera

The New York Yankees faced a humiliating defeat against the Boston Red Sox over the weekend. The offense collapsed, and the additional pressure put on the pitchers got the better of them. Certainly, the team is missing its best batter, who also happens to be the captain, Aaron Judge. Judge landed the IL due to a toe injury and has been MIA since June 4.

Along with Aaron Judge, the Yankees have missed the services of its star center fielder, Harrison Bader. Bader has had a roller-coaster season this year. He missed out on the opening day due to an oblique injury. On top of that, shortly after the much-awaited return, the outfielder fell prey to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, as the Yankees return home after a terrible road trip, Bader could rejoin the roster really soon.

   

Yankees Option Oswaldo Cabrera To Triple-A, Harrison Bader Likely To Take His Place

Oswaldo Cabrera
Oswaldo Cabrera made his Opening Day debut on March 30, though he struck out four times. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

After the series finale against the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees announced a roster move. The team optioned utility player Oswaldo Cabrera to Triple-A. Cabrera started off the season on a promising note but failed to step up offensively. He is hitting .190 with just four home runs and 18 RBIs in a total of 60 game appearances. While his defense has been top-notch, the lackluster offensive wasn’t going to keep him on the roster for too long. That being said, Cabrera’s fate is sealed, and he will have to work hard in the minor league to receive a call-up to the majors again.

On the other hand, the Yankees are yet to announce his replacement. But, as per the recent buzz, center fielder Harrison Bader is likely to take the roster space on Tuesday. Bader, recovering from a hamstring injury, played three games for Double-A Somerset Patriots as a part of his rehab assignment. Initially, he was supposed to play just one game and return before the Red Sox series. However, Bader felt he needed more time and asked for an additional set of games, which delayed his reinstatement. That being said, the Yankees are set to host Seattle Mariner in the Bronx starting on Tuesday. Hence, we can expect Bader to return to the lineup on Tuesday.

Will Harrison Bader Be Able to Pull Up The Bombers From Serious Slump?

Harrison Bader
New York Yankees’ Harrison Bader advances to third base on a throwing error by Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh after stealing second base during the second inning of a baseball game Monday, May 29, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Harrison Bader‘s return is great news for the New York Yankees. Bader was exploding at the time of injury. He had hit six home runs in just a couple of weeks before pulling up the hamstring. After Bader’s injury, the team lost another heavyweight batter, Aaron Judge. From there, the offense has just been tumbling down. But now that the outfielder is back, the Yankees can breathe a sigh of relief.

Of course, Harrison Bader will not solely uplift the Yankees from this slump. But right now, all the team needs is a push, a start to look forward to, and Bader can do that. He just needs to get a couple of big hits under his belt and set the stage for the rest of the squad to capitalize on. Overall, Bader’s return can potentially ease the Bombers’ offensive woes to some extent.