The New York Yankees‘ infield is facing significant challenges, exacerbated by Anthony Rizzo’s injury and Gleyber Torres’ ongoing issues with a right groin injury (who returned to the lineup on Saturday).
In response, the team has called up Ben Rice to bolster first base, although Oswaldo Cabrera’s performance leaves much to be desired, with his offensive metrics dipping to a .237 batting average and a .276 on-base percentage this season. Given these circumstances, General Manager Brian Cashman is likely eyeing the upcoming trade deadline to strengthen this crucial unit.
Oswald Peraza: A Yankees Prospect Under Pressure
According to Daniel Alvarez-Monets, the Yankees have recently promoted prospect Oswald Peraza, who brings 70 games of MLB experience but has shown struggles at the plate. Throughout his 248 plate appearances, Peraza has managed a .216/.298/.306 slash line, contributing three home runs and 16 RBIs, but his 23.8% strikeout rate and 7.7% walk rate suggest room for improvement.
Peraza’s progression has been further hampered by a shoulder injury during spring training, sidelining him for several weeks and compounding his development challenges. Now labeled as “injury-prone,” Peraza’s future with the Yankees seems uncertain, particularly as his value may have diminished since last year. With only one minor-league option remaining and underwhelming performance in Triple-A this year—where he hit .178/.313/.215 with one homer and 11 RBIs—the Yankees are left hoping for any positive contribution he can make.
Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures
The urgency of the situation is clear as the Yankees have called Peraza up to help alleviate the infield crisis. This move underscores the team’s dire need for talent, with the trade market likely being a necessary avenue for acquiring additional infield resources while awaiting the return of Rizzo and Jon Berti from injuries. With Torres also performing below expectations, the current state of the infield hardly aligns with the Yankees’ World Series ambitions.
- Yankees have acquired 6 projected starters post-Juan Soto departure
- Yankees eyeing All-Star upside from injury-prone relief arm
- Yankees could clear almost $20 million to spend with one trade
In the interim, Peraza will assume roles at second base and potentially third, providing some flexibility for DJ LeMahieu to shift as needed across the infield. This temporary setup aims to stabilize the team as they navigate through these challenges and await further reinforcements.