On Thursday, the New York Yankees faced a tough 9-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. However, Young talent Oswaldo Cabrera made a historic home run mark for the team in the ninth inning.
Stepping up to the plate as a pinch hitter for Anthony Volpe, Cabrera launched a home run off Ben Joyce, known for his blistering fastballs. MLB.com reporter Sarah Langs highlighted the significance of the player’s feat. The home run came off a pitch clocked at 101.7 mph, making it the fastest pitch ever hit for a home run by a Yankee since pitch tracking began in 2008.
This accomplishment is even more impressive considering Joyce’s reputation as one of the premier power pitchers in the game. Cabrera, who wasn’t in the starting lineup, seized his one opportunity at the plate and delivered in a big way.
Yankees’ Cabrera on a power surge
At 26 years old, Cabrera has been with the Yankees for parts of three seasons, posting a career batting average of .230 over 699 at-bats. This season, he’s hitting .243 with eight home runs, 34 RBIs, and three stolen bases, compiling a .663 OPS.
The New York Yankees have benefited from Oswaldo Cabrera’s strong offensive performance against right-handed pitchers this season. The infielder has faced right-handers in the majority of his at-bats, with 199 plate appearances against righties compared to only 70 against lefties. His statistics (vs. RHP: 109 wRC+, .425 SLG%, and .739 OPS) show a significant preference for facing right-handed pitching.
Cabrera’s power has been exclusively demonstrated against right-handers, with all eight of his home runs coming in these matchups. His batting average of .265 and OPS of .739 against righties starkly contrast with his struggles against left-handers, where he’s hitting a mere .182 with a .456 OPS. Having appeared in 85 games, Cabrera ranks sixth on the team in game participation.
The 2024 season has seen the Yankees utility star surpassing several of his previous career bests. He has already exceeded his prior totals in home runs, runs scored, and RBIs, while also being on track to set new personal records in hits.
Cabrera’s recent performance has been particularly impressive. Over his last 10 games, he has maintained a .281 batting average and a .917 OPS. His power surge is evident in his last six games, where he has hit three home runs, including one in each of his two most recent appearances.
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