Anthony Rizzo will soon return to a full-time position at first base for the Yankees.
After playing in his fifth rehab game with Double-A Somerset on Friday night, there was even a potential that the first baseman would be able to return from his forearm fracture as early as Saturday afternoon.
Although Rizzo appeared to come through well, manager Aaron Boone stated on Saturday morning that he wanted to check in and speak with the veteran face-to-face before making any choices.
As a September call-up, Rizzo might return to take one of the two open roster spots that open on Sunday. In the event that Rizzo is added, youngster Ben Rice will likely be optioned down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Meanwhile, in Saturday’s game against the Cardinals, the Yankees started utility extraordinaire Oswaldo Cabrera at first base. Cabrera is making his second start at first base of the season and his tenth overall in the major leagues.
“It feels like he’s been playing pretty well, earning some opportunities, for the last month or two,” Boone stated. “Perhaps he can travel and embody the Oswaldo spark that he so often is.
Cabrera has a batting average of.284 going into the game after playing in 35 games since June 22. During those two and a half months, during which he has made 20 starts, he has a.772 OPS.
“He’s been hitting the ball pretty well when he’s had those opportunities for the past month,” Boone continued.
For the past two weeks, Cabrera has made two starts, both at any position. This one comes on Saturday. Even with his strong offensive play this summer, he has only produced on the left side of the plate. Due to the Yankees’ recent run of seeing a lot of left-handed pitching, DJ LeMahieu saw an increase in playing time at first base.
When his number is called, Cabrera keeps playing at a high level because he has mastered the skill of sitting for days at a time between starts. That’s one of the reasons Boone feels at ease starting the switch-hitter out of the blue after so many consecutive days on the bench.
Boone stated, “He’s got talent, terrific makeup, a fantastic person, loves the game, loves the sport, and recognises the value of being prepared and a great teammate.” Since the day he was called up a few years ago, that is who he has always been. He is prepared for any circumstance. Just a man that, each and every day, adds life and energy to the field.
