It was announced on Saturday that New York Yankees infielder Oswald Peraza will start the season on the injured list. Yankee manager Aaron Boone said that Peraza has a sub-scapular strain in his right shoulder and will be out for six to eight weeks, according to MLB.com.
The good news is that Peraza won't need surgery. He isn't happy about the injury and having to be out.
“I want to give everything I have for the team, but there’s certain things I can’t control,” Peraza said through an interpreter. “I’m really devastated about this. I was feeling good and, of course, wanted to make the team, whether it was starting or on the bench, but unfortunately there are some things I can’t control. This is one of them. I’m just going to fight my way back to a normal state.”
Peraza was competing for a spot on the roster, probably on the bench. If he makes the roster, he'll be Anthony Volpe's backup, although he can play any position in the infield. He'll have to prove that he belongs on the roster by improving. In 2022, he made his MLB debut, hitting .306 with one home run and two RBIs in 18 games. Last year, he hit just .191 with two home runs and 14 RBIs.
With Peraza out, the bench spot that Peraza was competing for will go to Oswaldo Cabrera. If Cabrera doesn't get the spot, it could go to Kevin Smith, Josh VanMeter, Jeter Downs, or the Yankees' No. 16 prospect, Jorbit Vivas.
If Cabrera doesn't get it, Smith is probably the best candidate for the spot. Smith has experience at shortstop and can play anywhere in the infield. He has been impressive in spring training. Cabrera will be a good backup while Peraza is out.
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