TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees utility man Oswaldo Cabrera launched a two-run homer in Saturday’s 6-6 tie with the Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Discipline, his second homer in six days. He’s scorching, and he might be in Thursday’s Opening Day beginning lineup in Houston if third baseman DJ LeMahieu’s bruised proper foot wants a bit extra time.
“I’m excited that the final two weeks, he’s actually swinging the bat nicely,” stated Yankees supervisor Aaron Boone. “Simply good at-bats. The primary few weeks of camp, he was struggling offensively somewhat bit.
“And approaching the heels of final yr, when it was a wrestle for him offensively, getting some traction right here over the past two weeks is sweet. As a result of he’s actually beneficial defensively. He’s obtained somewhat little bit of a presence with the bat 1711284424 and might be very beneficial. In order that’s been good to see.”
Cabrera, who batted .211 with 5 homers and 29 RBIs in 298 at-bats in 2023, was batting .043 on March 9. He obtained three hits in his subsequent sport, and he is batting .375 since.
“I’m simply working, working, working — all day on each facet of hitting,” stated Cabrera, 25. “I’m attempting to get extra consistency. I like the place my swing’s at a lot, and the progress off of all we’ve been doing for the reason that low season.
“I’m excited for what’s coming.”
Cabrera performed 100 video games in both left or proper area final season, however he additionally had 15 video games at third, and he performed each place besides catcher and pitcher. Cabrera works out at seven positions with 4 gloves: outfield, center infield, third and first.
“I work with the identical vitality at each place,” Cabrera stated. “It’s not simple. However on the identical time, it’s enjoyable for me. Each rep counts and is completed for a function. I’m attempting to get higher and assist the staff win.”
Cabrera was all smiles whereas handing his baseball bag to a Yankees employee to be loaded for the staff’s Saturday evening flight to Mexico Metropolis for split-squad exhibition video games Sunday and Monday towards Diablos Rojos del México.
“I’m so excited” stated Cabrera, a local of Guarenas, Venezuela. “I performed in Mexico in 2014 for a Venezuelan staff. Baseball means quite a bit for the individuals there, and so it will likely be enjoyable. Representing the Yankees is much more enjoyable.
“And there are lots of Yankees followers in Mexico. They should be so excited.”
Boone is taking three starters on the journey: catcher Jose Trevino, shortstop Anthony Volpe and outfielder/DH Giancarlo Stanton. High pitchers touring are Jonathan Loáisiga and Victor González of Tuxpan, Mexico.
Rodón, Poteet, Beeter pitching updatesIt was a tough day for each Yankees starters in split-squad video games.
Carlos Rodón, who threw 5 2/3 innings of no-hit ball towards the Phillies the final time he confronted them Monday, allowed six runs (5 earned) on seven hits and one stroll in 4 innings towards them Saturday. He struck out two.
Rodón had allowed simply 5 runs in his 4 earlier begins and entered with a 2.93 ERA — displaying enchancment after going 3-8 with a 6.85 ERA in 14 begins with the Yankees in 2023.
“He’s in a great area bodily,” Boone stated of Rodón. “I assumed even in the present day, he threw the ball all proper. A pair bizarre performs not going his approach, however he obtained hit somewhat bit, too. However the largest factor is, I feel his stuff’s in a great place proper now. … Fairly good spring, for essentially the most half. He’s laid a pleasant basis to achieve success.”
Rodón stated, “The competitor in me, I need to win, and I’m annoyed with the outcomes in the present day. Fortunately, they don’t depend. However now they’ll. The slider was somewhat off; it wasn’t nice. I threw some higher ones late, however I wanted I might’ve discovered the slider earlier.”
Cody Poteet had additionally been spectacular in 4 earlier Grapefruit League outings, posting a 2.35 ERA with seven strikeouts and one stroll in 7 2/3 innings. Nevertheless, the Tigers roughed him up in Lakeland in Detroit’s 11-6 victory.
Poteet yielded two-run homers to Parker Meadows and Carson Kelly. He allowed eight runs on eight hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings.
Poteet is considered one of 5 candidates for the fifth spot within the beginning rotation.
Clayton Beeter, one other chance for that function, had a great outing. He allowed one run on three hits over 4 innings, placing out 4 with two walks.
