Trevino day-to-day after illness, Cabrera makes Yankees forget LeMahieu

Friday May 24, 2024

Yankees manager Aaron Boone removed catcher Jose Trevino from Thursday’s game against the Mariners due to illness. Trevino went 1-for-3 with a single before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the eighth inning. However, Boone expects the catcher to be fine for the team’s upcoming road trip beginning this weekend, considering his condition day-to-day.

After the game, Trevino said he was “fine” and expected to be available Friday. The Yankees catcher would travel with the team out west.

Meanwhile, Oswaldo Cabrera‘s solid play at third base has been crucial during LeMahieu’s absence with a foot injury. After going hitless his previous three games, Cabrera had a pair of singles in the Yankees’ 5-0 win over Seattle. Defensively, he’s tied for third in Defensive Runs Saved at third base according to Fangraphs.

LeMahieu’s return is nearing as his rehab assignment is scheduled to shift to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this weekend, putting him in line for a potential season debut with the Yankees in Anaheim next week. Cabrera said he’s looking forward to LeMahieu’s return, noting the team knows what he can provide.

Oswaldo Cabrera runs after hitting a home run for the Yankees win doubleheader Game 1 vs. the Guardians in Cleveland on April 13, 2024. — ocabrera13

LeMahieu’s Yankes return to help Rizzo

LeMahieu’s presence could ease the burden on Anthony Rizzo, who has struggled mightily against left-handed pitching this year.

Anthony Rizzo‘s struggles against left-handed pitching this season have been uncharacteristic for the left-handed hitter who has traditionally fared well against opposite-side pitchers. Rizzo’s .825 OPS against lefties in 2022 ranked 12th among left-handed batters with at least 80 plate appearances. However, he currently owns a .447 OPS versus lefties in 2023, the 13th-worst mark overall.

Rizzo attributed his troubles mostly to a lack of recent exposure against left-handers. Conveniently for him, the Yankees‘ upcoming series in San Diego is scheduled to feature three straight right-handed starters for the Padres.

Yankees' Anthony Rizzo throws his helmet in dejection during the Blue Jays game in Toronto on April 15, 2024. — NYP

A healthy DJ LeMahieu could allow Rizzo to take a break against lefties, with LeMahieu playing first base and keeping Oswaldo Cabrera at the hot corner. Cabrera has shined defensively at Yankees’ third base in LeMahieu’s absence.

Holmes makes comeback

Clay Holmes bounced back impressively after his first poor outing of the year against the Mariners on Monday by recording a four-out save Thursday. Boone expressed no surprise at Holmes’ quick rebound, saying the closer role inevitably comes with occasional struggles that must be quickly put aside – something the manager believes Holmes is “equipped to handle.”

While Boone wants to avoid overusing Holmes for multi-inning stints, Thursday marked his third save of more than three outs this season.

Anthony Volpe, meanwhile, extended his career-best hitting streak to 16 games with a first-inning single and seventh-inning double. It’s the longest streak by a Yankee since Didi Gregorius‘ 17-game run in 2017.

In injury news, Gerrit Cole is expected to throw a second live batting practice session on Saturday as he works his way back from a stint on the injured list.

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