New York Yankees infielder Oswald Peraza is set to begin the upcoming season on the injured list due to a right shoulder strain, potentially sidelining him for the next 6-8 weeks.
Oswald Peraza, aged 23, has already endured time off due to the injury during spring training. Despite returning briefly for two games, further shoulder damage was detected following an MRI scan.
Primarily playing second base, third base, and shortstop, Oswald Peraza made his major league debut in 2022, impressing with a .306 batting average, one home run, and two RBIs in 18 games. However, his performance dipped in the following season, batting just .191 with two home runs and 14 RBIs in 52 games.
Oswald Peraza diagnosed with subscapularis strain
Manager Aaron Boone informed MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch and other reporters that Peraza has been diagnosed with a subscapularis strain in his right shoulder, necessitating a shutdown for 6-8 weeks for thorough evaluation and maybe debut this season with the Yankees.
“In some ways it was OK news in that the capsule and everything was OK,” Boone said to the New York Post before the Yankees played the Twins at Hammond Stadium. “So it seems like it is just going to be this shutdown period that’s obviously going to cost him some season. But still there’s a lot in front of him in this season.”
Oswald Peraza had previously missed 10 days of Spring Training due to shoulder discomfort, and his return was short-lived, as continued soreness sidelined him again. Following MRI and additional tests, it’s unfortunate that Peraza will now miss a significant portion of the season. Even in the best-case scenario of a six-week recovery, he would still need time to ramp up activities, possibly delaying his return until late May.
Ranked as a top-70 prospect in recent years, Oswald Peraza showcased promise during his 2022 debut season but faced challenges in 2023. Despite his defensive prowess across multiple infield positions, speculation about his future role persists. While there’s talk of him potentially supplanting other infielders, the immediate focus is on his recovery and productivity for the 2024 season.
It remains uncertain whether Oswald Peraza would have started the season on the 26-man roster, as the Yankees were considering options for a veteran backup infielder. Now, with Peraza’s extended absence, the team’s need for experienced bench depth is more pressing.
Oswald Peraza says he ‘will give everything for the team’
With a subscapular strain in his right shoulder, Oswald Peraza faces a recovery period of 6 to 8 weeks on the sidelines. The determined athlete vows to leave no stone unturned in his rehabilitation efforts, aiming to expedite his return to action as swiftly as possible.
“I want to give my all for the team, but there are things I can’t control. I’m really devastated by this,” Oswald Peraza told Max Goodman of NJ.com.
The New York Yankees had plans to use Oswald Peraza as a utility player this season. However, his performance in Spring Training and the injury make this possibility challenging. In three games, he has had 7 at-bats without a hit. His compatriot, Oswaldo Cabrera, is an option who could fill his absence, especially with Trent Grisham’s arrival, which limits spaces on the Opening Day roster.
As Oswald Peraza undergoes rehabilitation, the Yankees will explore alternatives for backup infield support, considering various prospects and potential free agents to bolster their roster depth.
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