Caballero Steps Up for Yankees Amid Judge’s Absence
Jose Caballero is stepping into a crucial role with Aaron Judge sidelined.
As the Yankees wait for results from additional tests on Judge’s upper right ribcage and chest, Caballero took over in right field during Wednesday night’s 5-4 loss to the Guardians.
This marked Caballero’s second time playing right field, given that Judge hasn’t seen much action there since the previous season.
“I’m here to do whatever the manager needs,” Caballero mentioned after going 2-for-4 at the plate, including a solo home run in the fourth inning that brought the Yankees within one run.
That home run, his fifth of the season, had a bit of controversy surrounding it. A fan managed to catch the ball as it just scraped into the 364-foot stands. Although Cleveland’s Angel Martinez chased after it, he ended up pointing at the fans after the play was confirmed as a home run.
Caballero expressed he wasn’t concerned about the possibility of the home run being overturned, although he initially thought it might end in an out.
“He’s a player,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said regarding Caballero before the game. “You can’t help but have confidence in him, wherever he plays. Just look at the first play of his first game as a left fielder in Kansas City; a laser came at him, and he made a fantastic play. He’s a reliable player in a lot of spots.”
After hitting five home runs over 126 games last season, Caballero has appeared in five to 51 games this year, showing remarkable versatility.
Since April 13, he has reached base safely in 30 of his last 36 games, hitting .303/.362/.479, contributing 19 runs, six doubles, 12 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases.
While discussing his position in the outfield, Caballero seemed unsure about continuing to be the primary right fielder in Judge’s absence.
Asked if he had practiced in right field over the last two days, he described it as not entirely necessary.
“I don’t think there’s a huge need,” he said. “Now that I can work outside, I’m prepared to play anywhere.”
