Oswald Peraza’s dual challenge: Reclaim Yankees slot, fill Chisholm’s shoes
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Follow UsIn recent seasons, Oswald Peraza, once a highly regarded Yankees prospect, has struggled to find consistent success against major league pitching during his limited opportunities. Across 70 MLB games, Peraza has posted a modest .216 batting average. Last season, his performance over 52 games with the Yankees resulted in a disappointing slash line of .191/.267/.272.
The Yankees have not given Peraza many chances to overcome these offensive struggles while in pinstripes. Often, he has either been benched when on the active roster or sent down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to await another call-up. Adding to his challenges, Peraza began this season with a shoulder injury, a setback he described as particularly frustrating during spring training.
Wednesday presented the Yankees rookie with a new opportunity, though his playing time remains uncertain. He approaches this chance with renewed enthusiasm, armed with a revamped swing. Peraza was called up to replace Jazz Chisholm Jr., who injured his left elbow on Monday. With Chisholm facing a stint on the injured list, the Yankees acknowledged that his absence would be significant.
Upon rejoining the team, Peraza expressed his excitement to be back in the lineup. He emphasized the hard work he put in at Triple-A while waiting for this opportunity and conveyed his eagerness to contribute in any role he could. The Yankees rookie underscored his dedication to improving and becoming a valuable asset for the Yankees, showing genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity that lies ahead.
Is Oswald Peraza ready to grab this Yankees lifeline?
Oswald Peraza has recently refined his batting technique by incorporating a toe tap, a change that has already paid dividends. He recalled that this adjustment led to home runs during two-strike counts, which spurred valuable discussions with Triple-A hitting coach Trevor Amicone. These conversations convinced him to adopt the toe tap for all counts, a move that has greatly enhanced his comfort and confidence at the plate.
Peraza reported feeling more at ease in his batting stance, with smoother and quicker hand movements. He emphasized that this newfound confidence has been crucial to his recent success, and he’s pleased with the positive results following the adjustment.
His performance at Triple-A has seen significant improvement. In his last 21 games with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before his promotion, Peraza posted impressive numbers: a .316 batting average, seven home runs, 20 RBIs, 18 runs scored, and a 1.065 OPS.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone suggested that Peraza could play a key role at third base during Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s absence. One possibility is for him to share time with Oswaldo Cabrera, who has been hitting well, particularly from the left side. Cabrera might sit against left-handed pitchers, allowing the rookie more opportunities. Veteran DJ LeMahieu is also in the mix for the third base position but is splitting time at first base with rookie Ben Rice.
Boone praised Peraza’s recent performance in Triple-A, noting his talent and the momentum he’s gained. The Yankees manager is optimistic that he will make the most of his opportunities at the major league level.
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