Oswald Peraza, 22, remained the New York Yankees’ top prospect for the whole spring training tournament. Despite significant backing and numbers, the prospect lost the ultimate shortstop battle to fellow peer Anthony Volpe. Peraza, on his part, accepted his fate and silently walked back to the Triple-A minor league. He performed above par and stayed in contention for a possible call-up.
Peraza’s defensive abilities and speed on the basepaths are second to none. His defensive skills were the main reason he overpowered Volpe in the initial odds. However, Anthony Volpe‘s numbers with the bat made him a unanimous winner. However, Oswald Peraza did not have to wait long enough for his due as an unfortunate injury came in as a blessing in disguise for the 22-year-old shortstop. While he did not get his desired spot at shortstop, the rookie is making necessary adjustments in the infield.
Yankees Skipper Aaron Boone Backs Oswald Peraza At Third Base Despite Repeated Failure
Oswald Peraza received a call-up to the major league in the wake of an unfortunate injury to New York Yankees regular third baseman Josh Donaldson. Josh strained his hamstring during the second week of April and has been on IL ever since. Hence, when his condition did not improve, the Yankees decided to call up Peraza from Triple-A. Oswald Peraza, a natural shortstop, had to field at third base, a position he had never played before in the minors. Naturally, the prospect is taking some time to adjust.
Meanwhile, the Yankees manager has backed Oswald Peraza. He said Peraza has to play at third as it’s the need of the hour. Moreover, Boone believes Peraza is flexible enough to adjust according to the team’s requirements. They want Peraza to get used to these sudden adjustments to prepare him for the future. Boone even cited the example of Oswaldo Cabrera, who was thrown into the outfield this season despite minimal experience. For now, the Yankees will continue to rely on Peraza to fill in at third base until Josh Donaldson returns.
Josh Donaldson Diagnosed With Grade 1 Hamstring, Out Indefinitely
Meanwhile, Josh Donaldson has made no progress whatsoever in the past three weeks. After straining his left hamstring during a game against the Phillies, Josh was placed on a 10-day IL. Further, he was sent for a rehab assignment on Thursday with the Double-A Somerset Patriots. However, Josh reported back with negative feedback. Apparently. The baseman is suffering from a Grade 1 hamstring pull which is likely to keep him out for additional two weeks.
This is a bad omen for Josh Donaldson, who is looking to turn things around this season. He has a target on his back after a horrendous 2022 season. This might be his last chance with the pinstripes. Hence, if he fails to make an impact, the baseman most certainly could make his way out of the Bronx clubhouse. Let’s hope the crowded IL gets a little lighter as the season progresses, or else the Yankees are in for trouble.