The New York Yankees are waiting a bit longer to consider calling up Oswald Peraza to the major league roster. The infield has been a bit inconsistent this season, especially with reports indicating that general manager Brian Cashman was trying to unload Josh Donaldson and his bloated contract at the deadline.
Cashman targeted Isiah Kiner-Falefa this past off-season to serve as a stop-gap shortstop. IKF was initially traded from the Texas Rangers to the Minnesota Twins. In hot pursuit, Cashman offered Gio Urshela and Gary Sanchez in exchange for IKF and Donaldson. They acquired Ben Rortvedt in the process, as well.
However, the numbers don’t take kindly to Kiner-Falefa’s production this season, despite both Cashman and manager Aaron Boone backing the shortstop.
Minor-league players who are elevated after August 18 won’t accrue any major league service time, which could be what the Yankees are waiting for. Boone spoke on Peraza’s success with Scranton in Triple-A this season, noting his slow start but dominant statistics the past few months.
“He’s continued to build off what was a really strong 2021 season where he really established himself as a frontline prospect,” Boone said. “He’s built on that and put together to this point another strong season, and it’s been better as it’s gone. That’s been encouraging. He’s putting himself in a position to certainly be in play if something comes up now, later in the year. But certainly another momentum-building season toward what we envision as part of our middle infield.”
Boone specifically noted that they would call up Peraza if an opportunity presented itself, specifically if injury clears a roster spot.
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Peraza is ready to make the jump to the Yankees:
Peraza has a bit of experience at second base but is most comfortable at shortstop. The 22-year-old is hitting .258 this season with a 33% on-base rate, but he’s been electric the past two months. He hit .303 with a 38% on base rate and four homers in the month of June. In July, he hit .300 with a 37% on-base rate and five homers.
After a tough April and May, Peraza has completely turned his season around, showcasing why he’s ready to feature in the big leagues.
The Yankees aren’t ready to give him that opportunity just yet, though. Despite putting two months of elite production together, they still believe he needs more development and consistent play
After taking a pitch off his hand during Sunday’s game, there was a scare Peraza could miss a prolonged period of time. However, x-rays came back negative, showing no broken bones or ligament damage. He should be ready to go in a few days, keeping the dream alive that the Bombers could utilize the star prospect down the stretch if need be.