BOSTON — Oswaldo Cabrera made his sixth start in the Yankees’ past seven games on Sunday, seeing increased playing time due to his own bat resurging and the long-running slump of others, particularly DJ LeMahieu.
Cabrera converted some chances into more chances.
The Yankees’ search for a third baseman who can swing has given Cabrera more opportunities this month, and he’s taken advantage of them, but those opportunities may dry up soon.
The switch-hitter continued his hot streak in Sunday’s 8-2 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park, reaching base twice, including a ground-rule double to right field that scored two extra runs.
Cabrera was converted from a utility player to third baseman this month, getting playing time because the Yankees had no other options.
The Yankees gained another option in the trade they acquired with Jazz Chisholm Jr., who could start at third base as early as Monday.
Doing so would likely mean benching (or optioning) Cabrera, who is 13-for-37 (.351) with one home run over his past 14 games, improving his batting average from .227 to .246 and his OPS from .606 to .646.
“He’s a really good utility guy that can be deployed anywhere,” manager Aaron Boone said, “especially on the left side. He’s definitely had some good at-bats recently.”
Cabrera said there hasn’t been a huge change in his swing, but he feels more consistent at the plate, likely due to the steady increase in playing time.
If you hit it almost every day, it becomes easier to hit it.
“It’s not easy,” Cabrera said of his usually sporadic role as a utility player. “It’s not easy when you’re not playing. At the same time, you’ve got to try and do your best and be as good as you can when you’re not playing.”
The next few days will largely determine whether Cabrera is given the opportunity to build on his hot form.
Among the many moving parts that could be affected by a deal ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline is Cabrera’s role.
Chisholm’s presence could elevate LeMahieu to a more permanent backup position (unless the Yankees take drastic steps with a player who is owed big money through 2026).
Giancarlo Stanton is expected to return from injured reserve on Monday, which means someone will be removed from the roster.
The Yankees could option Cabrera, which would avoid losing a player on waivers, but would the Yankees release a potential tipping point hitter?
“He’s a big part of it,” Boone said of Cabrera.
If Cabrera stays, the Yankees could turn to Jamai Jones or LeMahieu.
Wherever he is, Cabrera just wants to play and win, and his play lately has helped him earn more minutes and help the Yankees win.
“I’m a guy that likes to play,” Cabrera said when asked if he had any doubts about his role after the transfer deadline. “My opinion is, whatever they decide I have to do, I’ll do it. And especially in my case, as long as I’m playing, I’m happy.”
“I just want to help the team win. That’s the most important thing to me. So, whatever way the team needs me, I’ll do it.”
