With Anthony Rizzo sidelined in the ALDS with two broken fingers on his right hand, the Yankees started Oswaldo Cabrera in Game 1 against the Royals on Saturday night.
This was Cabrera's fifth start at this position in the majors, and came after the Yankees debated between Cabrera and Ben Rice versus right-hander Michael Wacha.
The Yankees like Cabrera's defensive versatility and switch-hitting ability, and Rice has struggled at the plate for most of his time in the majors.
Cabrera will be relied upon heavily at first base after Rizzo was relied on to prevent throw errors by Yankees infielders, but Jazz Chisholm Jr. is unstable at third base and Gleyber Torres at second base. Occasionally gets off base.
