Detroit — The New York Yankees are bringing back one of their most popular players.
The club promoted utility man Oswaldo Cabrera from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday after placing third baseman Ryan McMahon on the injured list with an ear and throat infection. The move marks Cabrera’s first return to the major leagues since suffering a gruesome ankle injury that ended his 2025 season.
McMahon was scratched from Tuesday night’s lineup against the Detroit Tigers after falling ill. Manager Aaron Boone initially said the veteran infielder remained available in an emergency, but the Yankees ultimately decided that an IL stint was necessary.
The timing of the move gives Cabrera another opportunity to carve out a role on a Yankees team that has leaned heavily on roster flexibility throughout the season.
McMahon’s absence opens a door
McMahon’s first season in pinstripes has been an uneven one offensively.
The veteran infielder is batting .210 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs in 69 games this season. He has also struggled to consistently provide production near the bottom of the lineup.
The Yankees have not indicated that the illness is expected to keep McMahon out long term, but his absence leaves the club without its primary third baseman and one of its infield depth options.
That created an opening for Cabrera.
A long road back
Cabrera’s return is another milestone in one of the Yankees’ feel-good stories of the season.
The switch-hitting utility man fractured his left ankle and suffered ligament damage while scoring on a sacrifice fly against the Seattle Mariners on May 12, 2025. The injury was so severe that he had to be carted off the field and later underwent surgery. It ended his season after only 34 games. He was batting .243 with one home run and 11 RBIs at the time of the injury.
More than nine months later, Cabrera finally has his major league opportunity again.
“I can’t control my emotions right now,” Cabrera said during spring training while discussing his return to game action. “I feel so happy about it. I’m feeling so good right now.”
Boone also acknowledged the challenges of the recovery process.
“It’s been a pretty long road for him,” Boone said during camp. “It’s been exciting to see some of the improvement he’s made.”
Cabrera forced the issue in Triple-A
The promotion comes after Cabrera heated up significantly at Triple-A.
In 68 games with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he batted .271 with seven home runs and six stolen bases. His season was essentially split in two. After a slow start over his first few weeks, Cabrera caught fire, batting .331 over his next 45 games while posting an OPS well above .800.
His June surge may have been the deciding factor.
Cabrera hit nearly .400 during the month and showed improved power production, collecting three home runs and several extra-base hits. He also excelled against left-handed pitching, giving Boone another potential matchup option off the bench.
Versatility remains his calling card
Cabrera’s value to the Yankees has never been limited to one position.
Since reaching the majors in 2022, he has appeared at every position except catcher and pitcher. His defensive versatility has repeatedly helped New York navigate injuries and roster changes.
That flexibility could become particularly important during McMahon’s absence.
Cabrera can play third base, second base, shortstop and both corner outfield spots, allowing Boone to mix and match while keeping regulars fresh.
Another chance in the Bronx
The Yankees did not hand Cabrera a roster spot coming out of spring training. Instead, he opened the season at Triple-A and worked his way back into the club’s plans.
Now, after months of recovery and a productive stretch in the minors, he is back in the majors.
For the Yankees, the move provides a versatile defender and an energetic clubhouse presence. For Cabrera, it is another chapter in a comeback that seemed a long way off on that painful night in Seattle more than a year ago. And with Ryan McMahon temporarily sidelined, the Yankees are once again turning to one of their most resilient and beloved players.
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