CHICAGO — The dictionary definition of “manufactured run” may now have to include a photo of Oswaldo Cabrera’s face.
Cabrera provided some much-needed energy in Wednesday’s game against the White Sox when the Yankees’ offense fizzled and they were trailing 2-1 in the top of the seventh.
After hitting a leadoff single off relief pitcher Justin Anderson, Cabrera stole second base.
Then the 25-year-old laced up his cleats and never looked back.
Alex Verdugo fired the ball deep into the gap on the right wing, and Dominic Fletcher ran down the right wing to dive to get the ball, but fell on center fielder Luis Robert Jr. in the process.
Cabrera, seeing players running wild in the outfield, tagged out and scored from second base on a sacrifice fly.
The Venezuelan showed no signs of hesitation after starting from 180 feet away and finished with a stunning relay throw.
“When I saw the ball deep, I just [started] “My turn came,” Cabrera said, laughing that he had never scored from second base on a sacrifice fly at any level of baseball. “Look at Luis. [Rojas, third base coach]I saw people putting their hands up and I thought, ‘Let’s give it a go!'”
Cabrera’s efforts tied the game at 2-2 and led to a nine-run explosion over the seventh and eighth innings that ultimately led to a 10-2 victory and the series win over the White Sox.
Part of that explosive performance included an RBI single from Cabrera that sent Anthony Volpe home in the top of the eighth.
The versatile Cabrera has started the past two games at third base after Jazz Chisholm Jr. was sidelined with a sprained elbow, and it looks like he’s ready to step into that role until the trade-deadline acquisition returns.
Cabrera was just 2-for-5 on Wednesday but has had a hit in each of his last five games, including RBI in three of them.
“He’s been swinging the bat really well with his left hand over the last month or so,” manager Aaron Boone said, acknowledging his previous slump. “I thought he had a better at-bat tonight. He got in scoring position by one run. I think playing with his head up there was one of the little sparks for us tonight, for sure.”
The Yankees have other options at third base, such as DJ LeMahieu and recently promoted Oswaldo Peraza, but Cabrera may be the best option to replicate Chisholm’s dynamic combination of hitting power and athleticism.
The third-year switch hitter also showed strong defense and range at the position, making multiple rushing plays to get hits.
After Tuesday’s win, Cabrera said he feels more comfortable at third base, given that he’s primarily played there this season.
Cabrera is already setting career highs in home runs (8) and RBIs (35) and could be an interim boost for a lineup looking for reliable options outside of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.
“I’ve been working a lot,” Cabrera said, praising his striking coach James Rowson. “When I’m not fighting, I’m working a lot in the cage and outside of BP. I’m just trying to stay prepared.”
