New York Yankees utilityman Oswald Peraza could soon start seeing time in the outfield as the team looks to expand its options.
With Giancarlo Stanton back, finding enough at-bats to go around will be a juggling act.
Looking for more ways to get Oswald Peraza into the lineup, the New York Yankees have begun asking the former top infield prospect to take reps in the outfield.
According to the New York Post, Peraza has been working with third base coach Luis Rojas in recent days on positioning and throws from the outfield as they seek to expand his versatility.
“With our roster now, we’re making sure he gets some reps out there,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, via the NY Post, before Monday’s 1-0, 11-inning loss to the Los Angeles Angels. “In the course of a game, you’re pinch running, you’re making a substitution. So just try and add a little more versatility to him.”
Yankees Expect Oswald Peraza to Handle Position Change
Peraza has made 25 of his 30 starts this season at third base. He’s also sprinkled in time at second base and shortstop.
He has never appeared in the outfield during a game in either the minor leagues or in his four seasons with the Yankees. But the Yankees believe he’s equipped to handle a new position.
“We don’t have a lot of flexibility, so there’s going to come a time where we have to be comfortable it. Or get comfortable being uncomfortable,” Boone said via the NY Post. “But I think ‘Oz’ will handle it well.
“He’s such a good athlete, he’s obviously such a good defensive infielder that I expect him to be able to handle it, especially in a pinch here.”
Jazz Chisholm Jr. has taken over as the primary third baseman since coming off the injured list June 3, while DJ LeMahieu has gotten the majority of starts at second base since returning from the IL in mid-May. Peraza started games at both positions in the weekend sweep in Boston.
In 106 at-bats this season, Peraza is slashing just .160/.246/.292 with three home runs and 11 RBI.
Giancarlo Stanton Returns from Elbow Injuries
Stanton went 2-for-4 with a double in his return to the Yankees’ lineup on Monday. The five-time All-Star and reigning ALCS MVP missed the first two-plus months of the season with soreness in both elbows.
In a corresponding move, utilityman Pablo Reyes was designated for assignment. Reyes, 31, batted .194 with two RBI in 31 at-bats this season with New York.
The Yankees lead the American League East at 42-29, but have scored just four runs during their current four-game losing streak.
