Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman addressed concerns about the team’s infield depth, highlighting vulnerability in light of injuries. With DJ LeMahieu sidelined due to a foot fracture and his return uncertain, Cashman acknowledged the team’s precarious situation. Despite LeMahieu beginning a rehab assignment, his early exit due to foot soreness emphasized the uncertainty surrounding his recovery.
Yankees: Cashman addresses infield depth woes amid injuries
In LeMahieu’s absence, utility player Oswaldo Cabrera has been tasked with third base duties, while the bench lacks infield options due to injuries to Jon Berti and Oswald Peraza. Cashman expressed concerns about the lack of a dedicated first baseman on the roster and highlighted the exposure in infield coverage, particularly with Berti sidelined.
Speaking at an event organized by the Bronx Children’s Museum and The Players Alliance, Cashman outlined a strategy of “treading water,” opting not to make roster changes despite the challenges. He emphasized the impending return of key players from the injured list and the desire to avoid overcrowding the 40-man roster with internal promotions.
“I don’t feel like we have a first baseman right now on the roster,” The Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman said. “Cabrera can play first but then obviously who’s playing third? So I feel like we’ve got a little bit of exposure, especially first base coverage behind Rizzo and left side of the infield coverage is a little bit exposed with Berti down.”
When questioned about the need for external infield reinforcements, Cashman pointed to Berti’s imminent return and LeMahieu’s ongoing evaluation by Yankees‘ doctors. He highlighted Cabrera’s versatility in potentially filling in at first base and providing additional infield flexibility. However, he acknowledged the current limitations in infield depth, emphasizing the need to persevere with the available resources despite the challenges posed by the ongoing injuries.
Injuries have impacted every MLB team, with some attributing blame to the pitching clock. However, without conclusive proof of its role in these incidents, the Yankees must swiftly seek a solution to address this issue.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
pick up Cooper, a former Yankee who was DFA’d as an option piece and plug him in as a Rizzo backup and he plays outfield, but might he be an option at 3rd base with LeMahieu out? just a thought. wouldn’t cost much.