Talented Oswald Peraza is no more an example of a player with unproven approaches to hitting pitches, as he seems to be finding his groove. As September became a time for the Yankees prospects to gain valuable MLB experience, the infielder’s hybrid approach is bearing fruit for him at the right time.
Oswald Peraza is getting significant playing time and using this opportunity to refine his skills for what he hopes will be a long career in the majors. The highly talented Yankees infielder had relied on a pronounced leg kick throughout his professional career. However, when he got off to a sluggish start at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre earlier this season, he decided to ditch the leg kick in favor of a toe tap. This toe tap allowed him a bit more time to make decisions about his swings.
About a month ago, Oswald Peraza made yet another change, going back to the leg kick. Now, as he plays regularly at the major league level and was given another start at third base on Thursday, he alternates between these two techniques. He often uses the leg kick early in at-bats and switches to the toe tap when facing a two-strike count.
Oswald Peraza’s unique hybrid strategy shows promise
Hitting coach Sean Casey mentioned that the player was in the process of figuring out what strategies and techniques would be effective in the Major Leagues. He highlighted that the Major Leagues presented a different challenge compared to other levels of play. Casey explained that the player was experimenting with various elements, such as a leg kick, to determine what worked best for him and allowed him to be on time with his swings.
Casey believed that the player was in the process of determining the most effective method for being on time with his swings. He noted that the player possessed significant power regardless of the approach he chose.
Oswald Peraza’s mixed approach appears to be paying off, as he came into the game with a 7-for-15 record in his last four outings, including three doubles. Before Thursday, he had only managed 11 hits in his first 29 major league games this season, going 1-for-4 in the game.
During spring training, Oswald Peraza exclusively employed the leg kick but was edged out for the shortstop position by Anthony Volpe. In his initial call-up in April and May, he struggled, batting only .188 in his first 12 big-league games.
Oswald Peraza made a brief return in July but struggled with his hitting once more, mainly using the toe tap technique and not getting consistent playing time. However, when the Yankees admitted last week that they were no longer in contention for the playoffs, they sent several veteran players down or released them. This opened up the third base position for Oswald Peraza, who is typically a Triple-A shortstop. In this new role, he has appeared comfortable at third base and has found a better groove at the plate.
Manager Aaron Boone pointed out that the player’s talent was readily apparent, particularly in his speed and how smoothly he handled fielding duties. Boone also expressed confidence in the player’s batting abilities, mentioning that there was potential in his bat. Boone hoped that the player would capitalize on the consistent playing time he was receiving and continue to make progress in his performance.
While Oswald Peraza was progressing through the minor league system, his reputation was more built on his ability to make contact with the ball than his power, although he showed increased power with 18 home runs in 2021 and 19 in the following year. He mentioned that using the leg kick might add some muscle to his swing, whereas the toe tap helps with his balance.
The experiment gains traction
Currently, Oswald Peraza is experimenting with both approaches, choosing between them depending on the situation, and he’s beginning to witness the positive outcomes he aimed for. This experimentation has also benefited the Yankees, as they’ve been providing playing time to prospects like Oswald Peraza, Everson Pereira, Jasson Dominguez, and Austin Wells, a move that coincided with the team’s recent surge that brought them close to the edge of a wild-card playoff spot.
Oswald Peraza expressed that having the chance to play every day boosted his confidence. He noted that it eliminated any concerns about whether his name would be in the lineup. Oswald Peraza emphasized that he used the opportunity to make necessary adjustments and gain experience at the Major League level. He viewed it as a chance to showcase his abilities and play the game the way he knew he could.
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