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Oswaldo Cabrera Showing the Yankees Why He Should Be an Everyday Starter

The Yankees could be in the market for middle infield depth at the deadline, but the team should consider Oswaldo Cabrera as a viable option at second and third base.

By Adam Bernstein

Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees / Adam Hunger/GettyImages
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Leading up to the All-Star break, the New York Yankees struggled tremendously. During that time, they lost Anthony Rizzo, Giancarlo Stanton, Jon Berti, Clarke Schmidt, and Ian Hamilton to injuries. While this could be considered a factor during the Yankees' rough stretch, veteran infielders Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu's performances have also been a significant reason for the team's disappointing end to the first half of the regular season.

Before Monday's game, LeMahieu's last home run was on September 5, 2023. DJ hit his first of the season in the bottom of the fifth in the Yankees' 9-1 victory and it was crucial for the two-time batting champion. DJ was benched on Sunday after going 0-for-7 with two strikeouts and has been even worse over the past month, slashing .156/.250/.203 with three extra-base hits.

The 36-year-old missed the season's first two months with a foot injury and returned to the lineup on May 28 in Los Angeles against the Angels. Four months later, LeMahieu is still struggling, averaging .181 with just one dinger and 12 RBIs this season.

If you go back to April and May, you might remember Oswaldo Cabrera was impressive as the everyday starting third baseman while DJ was injured. Cabrera is still making the case for starting opportunities after a solid performance this past series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

In the last seven games, Oswaldo has six hits, five runs, and 2 RBIs, slashing .375/.444/.375, including a crucial two-run single in the fourth inning of the Yankees' 9-1 victory over the Rays. Cabrera has filled in nicely at both second and third base, with Torres and LeMahieu receiving days off from manager Aaron Boone on Sunday and Monday.

Suppose LeMahieu and Torres continue to struggle into the second half of the season, and Berti's injury delays him even longer from returning. In that case, Cabrera should be an everyday player for the Yankees.

While the Yankees will be targeting infield depth at this year's trade deadline and pursue players such as Jazz Chisholm Jr, Isaac Paredes, Jonathan India, and Luis Rengifo, Cabrera should still garner opportunities as he's consistently proven to perform when called upon.

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