Cabrera’s feat grabs attention, pushes Yankees for more playing time
- August 16, 2024
- 6:14 am
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Follow UsOswaldo Cabrera is making a compelling argument for more playing time with his standout performances this summer. The Yankees’ versatile utility player has been reliable both at the plate and in the field, particularly at third base. Despite the challenges of inconsistent opportunities, Cabrera has maintained a high level of production.
In Wednesday’s crucial win over the White Sox, Cabrera once again played a key role, sparking the Yankees’ late-game offense. His recent contributions strengthen his case for a regular spot at third base, especially with Jazz Chisholm Jr. sidelined on the injured list.
With the Yankees trailing 2-1, Cabrera kick-started a pivotal seventh-inning rally by leading off with a single to right field. He then stole second base, putting himself in scoring position as the lineup cycled back to the top.
When Alex Verdugo hit a deep fly ball to right-center field with one out, Cabrera demonstrated sharp baserunning instincts. He positioned himself perfectly near second base, ready to either score if the ball dropped or advance to third on a tag-up if caught.
As White Sox right fielder Dominic Fletcher made a running catch but stumbled over center fielder Luis Robert Jr. near the warning track, Cabrera seized the moment. After tagging up at second, he sprinted toward home plate. Third-base coach Luis Rojas signaled for him to keep going, and the Yankee slid home safely, scoring from second on what was officially ruled a sacrifice fly.
Cabrera later detailed his thought process during the play, explaining how he rounded the turn when he saw the deep hit and, after spotting Rojas’s signal, committed fully to the aggressive baserunning that ultimately paid off.
“When I saw the ball so deep, I started to do my turn,” the Yankees utility star said. “When I looked at Luis, I saw the hand up and I was like, ‘Let’s do it.’”
Cabrera’s hustle earns Yankees attention
Yankees manager Aaron Boone quickly recognized an opportunity when he saw Oswaldo Cabrera’s sharp positioning after Dominic Fletcher’s catch and subsequent stumble. Boone commended both the utility man and third-base coach Luis Rojas for their swift decision-making, noting the crucial impact of his run.
“He’s been swinging the bat really well left-handed for about a month now after he went through a little bit of a lull there,” the manager said. “I thought he had more good at-bats tonight, getting into scoring position there down a run and just being heads up there, I think was one of those little igniters for us tonight. No question.”
Cabrera’s smart baserunning tied the game at 2-2, setting the stage for a go-ahead two-run single by catcher Austin Wells, which pushed the Yankees into a 4-2 lead. The offense continued to roll in the eighth inning, highlighted by an RBI single from him and Aaron Judge’s milestone 300th career home run—a three-run shot.
Cabrera’s performance on Wednesday, which included two hits and two runs scored, capped off a strong stretch. Over his last 13 games, he has been batting .302 with a .891 OPS and three home runs. Extending the view to his previous 29 games, the switch-hitter has posted a solid .290/.345/.461 slash line.
Cabrera credited his success to extensive work with the team’s hitting coaches. He described their collaborative efforts in the batting cage and during practice sessions, even on days when he wasn’t starting. Cabrera expressed gratitude for their guidance and the constructive feedback they’ve provided.
“I’ve been working a lot with the hitting coaches,” he told. “We are doing a lot. When I’m not playing, we’re doing a lot of things inside the cage and outside in BP to try to get ready. I want to appreciate them because they always talk to me the right way. They are always giving me advice.”
With several options available at third base, including veteran DJ LeMahieu and recently promoted prospect Oswald Peraza, Cabrera’s consistent play is making a strong argument for more regular starts at the position. Boone pointed out Cabrera’s improvement from the left side of the plate over the past month, following a brief slump, and praised his quality at-bats and savvy baserunning, which played a key role in the team’s recent offensive surge.
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