As Yankees edge Red Sox, Oswaldo Cabrera’s performance puts spotlight on his role

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As the Yankees continue their late-season push, one player who continues to make his case for more playing time is Oswaldo Cabrera.

In Sunday’s 5-2 win over the Red Sox, Oswaldo Cabrera delivered two hits in four at-bats, raising his season average to .249, and contributing both offensively and defensively to a much-needed bounce-back performance.

Oswaldo Cabrera’s versatility has been his defining trait since breaking into the major leagues. Manager Aaron Boone, a frequent advocate for Cabrera’s preparedness, praised his ability to seamlessly fill in at multiple positions.

“I love Oswaldo with a glove on,” Boone said ahead of Sunday’s game. “Wherever I put him, he prepares really well.” Cabrera’s work ethic, particularly in defensive drills, has made him a valuable piece for Boone, who views him as the ideal utility player. Boone noted Cabrera’s ability to stay sharp whether starting or coming off the bench: “Even when he’s not playing, he’s always getting his work in, making sure he’s ready.”

Oswaldo Cabrera’s versatility and work ethic make him indispensable, but fans want more starts

But as Oswaldo Cabrera’s reliability and production continue to rise, so too do the voices from the Yankees fanbase calling for more regular playing time. His recent at-bats, particularly from the left side, have shown growth, and his 70 hits, eight home runs, and steadily improving approach suggest that he could be more than just a utility option.

Against the Red Sox on Sunday, Oswaldo Cabrera was part of a Yankees squad that rebounded after a difficult Saturday loss. In a game where Gerrit Cole’s decision to intentionally walk Rafael Devers led to a meltdown on the mound, the Yankees were desperate for a solid response. Carlos Rodon delivered, pitching 5 1/3 innings, giving up just two runs on six hits while navigating trouble against a dangerous Boston lineup. Boone lauded Rodon’s composure: “He was able to make a lot of big pitches when he needed to.”

The bullpen also stepped up, with Ian Hamilton, Clay Holmes, and Tommy Kahnle combining to shut down the Red Sox for the final 3 2/3 innings. Kahnle, earning his first save of the season, entered in the ninth inning to induce a game-ending double play after Jake Cousins put two runners on base.

The win marked a strong conclusion to a series that could have easily slipped away. Aaron Judge, whose 53rd home run of the season electrified the Bronx crowd, led the offensive charge. Judge’s power surge, following a brief home run drought, has helped the Yankees find their rhythm again, with the slugger adding to his career-high 132 RBIs. Gleyber Torres also contributed, sending a solo shot to the short porch in the third inning, and Giancarlo Stanton, who is showing signs of breaking out of a slump, knocked in two runs, including a sacrifice fly in the seventh.

Beyond the big bats, it was Oswaldo Cabrera’s quiet contributions that helped steady the team. His ability to fill in for a wide range of players – from covering infield spots to outfield positions – has allowed the Yankees to rotate their lineup more effectively. On Sunday, his inclusion over Anthony Rizzo added speed and a different dynamic to the game, as the Yankees executed three stolen bases.

Still, Oswaldo Cabrera’s performance has sparked debate. Many fans believe the 24-year-old deserves more consistent starts, arguing that his potential is being limited by sporadic appearances. With the Yankees in the hunt for a postseason spot, the question remains whether Boone will increase Cabrera’s role as they enter the critical stretch.

For now, Boone seems content with Oswaldo Cabrera’s spot as the versatile weapon in his arsenal, but the growing calls for more regular playing time suggest that Cabrera’s role may need reevaluation sooner rather than later.

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