The Yankees are hoping they find their starting third baseman this spring, and it’s starting to look like they may have found one.
Manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman named four potential starting third basemen before spring training began: DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas.
One of those candidates suffered an injury and another returned from one, so the battle for third base is starting to come into focus.
With the second week of spring training in the books, here’s how each candidate performed in the games from March 1-7…
DJ LeMahieu
March 1 vs. Astros: 0-for-2, K
The veteran infielder finally got on the field as a DH in last Saturday’s game and, after two at-bats, was pulled due to a left calf injury. While LeMahieu called it “not anything major,” he did acknowledge it will likely take a bit before he can get back on the field.
“I definitely feel very confident in myself,” LeMahieu said of his ability despite the injury. “That hasn’t wavered at all. But at the same time, I keep getting blows. It’s discouraging, for sure. I know I’ve got something to give this team if I can stay healthy.”
On Thursday, LeMahieu said his calf strain will likely keep him out a “couple of weeks.”
Yankees fans know this story already. While the team hasn’t said anything about his status for Opening Day, if he doesn’t get back on the field soon, the probability that he starts the year on the IL increases.
Oswaldo Cabrera
March 2 vs. Braves: 0-for-1, 2 BB
March 4 vs. Phillies: 2-for-4, RBI, 2R
March 6 vs. Twins: 2-for-2
With the injury to LeMahieu, it’s looking like a lock for Cabrera to be the Opening Day third baseman.
After struggling at the plate in the first week of spring training games, Cabrera has picked it up, going 4-for-7 with two walks in week two. He’s also starting at third base more often than not over the other candidates when he’s in the lineup, which is a telling sign.
Oswald Peraza
March 2 vs. Braves: 1-for-3, K
March 3 vs. Pirates: 0-for-3, 2K
March 6 vs. Twins: 0-for-1, BB
March 7 vs. Blue Jays: 0-for-1, BB
It was not a good week at the plate for Peraza, who collected just one hit in five games but the Yankees should be encouraged by his patience and how he’s seeing the ball, especially later in the week. After striking out three times in six at-bats, he did not strikeout at all in his next four at-bats and even picked up two walks.
But what could give Peraza an edge in making the roster as a bench player is his versatility. He’s started at third, shortstop and second base this week and handled himself very well.
Jorbit Vivas
March 4 vs. Phillies: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, K
March 7 vs. Blue Jays: 2-for-2, RBI, SB
Vivas finally got into game action this week after missing out earlier in camp due to shoulder soreness. The young infielder has only played in two games but is showing what he can do at the plate, collecting three hits in those contests. He is also showing his versatility in the infield, playing at second base in both games.
