DETROIT — Oswaldo Cabrera continues to hit.
Cabrera had two of the team’s four hits on a generally subdued day in a 4-0 loss to the Tigers, and he also showed some strength at third base and continued to thrive as a utility player when called upon.
With Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the disabled list with a sprained UCL, Cabrera is likely to take on a larger role, especially against right-handed pitchers (though he did single right-handed against lefty reliever Tyler Holton on Saturday).
Cabrera extended his hitting streak to six games, but in his last 30 games (19 starts), he is batting .304 (24 for 79) with an OPS of .825.
“He’s a really good teammate and a really good guy to have on the team,” coach Aaron Boone said. “He’s obviously played really well over the last month when he’s had the opportunity. The defensive versatility that he brings to the team is great. [is important]”But he continues to have a lot of good games at the plate. … He’s playing really well right now.”
Tim Mayza pitched six scoreless innings in his Yankees debut, despite giving up a triple to leadoff batter Spencer Thorkelson that bounced off Juan Soto’s glove.
The left-handed relief pitcher’s next pitch deflected off Austin Wells’ hands and Torkelson tried to run home to score, but Mayza got tagged out just in time.
Maiza showed off his improved velocity by quickly striking out the next two batters, striking out Javier Baez, who averaged 91.9 mph earlier this season for the Blue Jays, with a 95 mph sinker.
“At the end of the inning, it was like, ‘Boom,'” Boone said. “He started pitching the ball like, ‘Oh, here it comes.’ He finished the inning strong.”
The White Sox claimed relief pitcher Eniel de los Santos off waivers on Saturday, three days after the Yankees designated him for designation.
De los Santos’ departure from the Yankees was hastened by the White Sox, who allowed seven runs on eight hits in 1 2/3 innings against him on Monday in Chicago.
Chisholm did some running in the outfield before Saturday’s game but has yet to resume his swing.
Jon Bertie (strained calf strain) was in full baseball action on Saturday at Tampa, but Boone is still uncertain about when Bertie will be able to begin a rehab assignment.
Boone said Ian Hamilton (latissimus strain) took his first live batting practice on Friday and went well. … Clark Schmidt (latissimus strain) is scheduled to take another live batting practice on Sunday and could begin a rehab assignment after that.
