Shortly earlier than spring coaching ended, Brian Cashman stated that he could be “happier” if Aaron Boone had some extra right-handed hitting choices at his disposal.
No such additions have been made to the Yankees’ roster earlier than Opening Day, although. As a substitute, the final two spots on the Bombers’ bench went to incumbent righties, utilitymen Pablo Reyes and Oswald Peraza.
Peraza, a former high prospect, has by no means proven that he can hit main league pitching. Reyes, however, has had some success, significantly towards left-handed pitchers. He entered the 2024 season with a 105 wRC+ towards southpaws.
Cashman referred to Reyes because the Yankees’ “predominant” in-house right-handed possibility for the remaining spots on the roster, solidifying what had already change into clear: the 31-year-old had leapfrogged Peraza on the depth chart.
On Saturday, Reyes was within the lineup at third base for his Yankees debut towards Milwaukee lefty Nestor Cortes, although Boone plans on platooning at third base early on after Oswaldo Cabrera manned the recent nook on Opening Day towards the right-handed Freddy Peralta.
“Pablo’s just been so consistent all spring,” Boone stated. “He’s done a really good job defensively, his versatility. He’s played everywhere. He’s done a good job in the field. He’s really swung the bat well.”
Reyes had a robust spring, hitting .311 with an .885 OPS, two residence runs, 5 RBI and two stolen bases. A non-roster invitee this spring, he knew it could be tough to make the Yankees’ roster.
“It was tough,” Reyes stated. “What I told myself was I had to show them that I can play hard. I had to show them that I can do this, and I had to show Boonie that I can help the team.”
Reyes did that, incomes Boone’s admiration alongside the best way. DJ LeMahieu’s calf harm and the dearth of sturdy third base candidates additionally helped his probabilities.
“I’ve enjoyed seeing him play on a daily basis,” Boone stated. “He earned his way on this team. He didn’t have an easy pathway to make this club, and he did with his performance and just how well he’s played.”
Whereas Boone is a fan of Reyes — who can play everywhere in the diamond — the veteran hasn’t performed something particular over 233 main league video games in Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Boston and Queens.
Reyes entered Saturday’s sport with a .248 common, .658 OPS, eight homers and 54 RBI for his profession.
These numbers received’t quell the Yankees’ right-handed hitting considerations, however Boone nonetheless has excessive expectations for his lineup towards left-handed pitchers.
“The makeup of our roster, we’re more set up against right-handed pitching,” the supervisor stated. “But I expect us to do well against lefties.”
Reyes, in the meantime, will attempt to preserve seizing no matter alternatives the Yankees’ roster building affords him.
He grew to become a fan favourite in Boston, and he’s hoping to have an analogous reference to the Bronx devoted.
“When I was there, the fans loved the way that I play,” Reyes stated. “But now I’m here, so I’m gonna be ready to give Yankees fans the best show I can.
“I’m gonna play hard and give them my best.”
DOMÍNGUEZ AND BELLINGER
The Yankees, defending a three-run lead, switched up their outfield within the eighth inning on Opening Day. Trent Grisham, a proficient defender, entered the sport in middle, whereas Cody Bellinger shifted from middle to left. Jasson Domínguez went from left to the bench.
“If it was close toward the end, I definitely knew,” Bellinger stated.
The transfer was notable, as Domínguez has made a number of errors in left area relationship again to final September. Nevertheless, he and Boone have been proud of the pure middle fielder’s progress within the nook since he made a number of gaffes early in spring coaching.
“I feel like he keeps getting better,” Boone stated. “I thought his work in spring training was excellent. I thought as the spring unfolded, we really started to see his athleticism and his speed come into play. His routes, I feel like, continue to evolve and get better and better. So my expectation is that he’s going to be really good out there.”
On Saturday, Boone had Domínguez DHing with Grisham beginning in middle and Bellinger in left.
STANTON IN THE CAGE
After beforehand saying that Giancarlo Stanton (tennis elbows) had began swinging, Boone specified that the designated hitter has been taking cuts within the cage, opposed to only dry ones.
“It’s been a good couple of weeks,” Boone added, although there’s nonetheless no timetable on Stanton.
HAMILTON SHOULDN’T BE LONG
Ian Hamilton (viral an infection) was scheduled to start out a a rehab project at Triple-A on Saturday. Boone stated he expects the reliever again “as soon as he’s eligible,” which might be April 8, and talked about the necessity for a number of minor league outings.
