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Yankees Facing Decision After Blowout Win Over Padres

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated May 7, 2025 9:35 AM ET

Although there are arguably no good times for a slump, New York Yankees third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera picked the wrong time for his bat to go cold.

Cabrera won the New York Yankees’ third base job in spring training, perhaps partly because two-time batting champion DJ LeMahieu went on the injured list with a calf injury. However, LeMahieu is only days away from returning, barring a setback with his calf or hip.

Cabrera went 0-for-4 in Tuesday’s 12-3 comeback victory against the San Diego Padres, dropping his average to .250 and OPS to .621. The 26-year-old is mired in an ugly 7-for-39 slump, and he’s only driven in three runs since April 17.

With LeMahieu on the mend and Cabrera struggling to reach base, Yankees manager Aaron Boone must decide if it’s time for a change at the hot corner.

Boone told reporters earlier this week he expects LeMahieu to see action at second base following Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s recent oblique injury. Chisholm is likely out until June, robbing the Yankees of a left-handed power bat and energetic lineup presence.

LeMahieu won three Gold Gloves as the Colorado Rockies’ starting second baseman from 2012-18. However, he’s mostly played first and third base since 2022; he hasn’t seen action at second base since July 5, 2023.

LeMahieu shifted his rehab assignment to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday. Inclement weather postponed his Railriders debut, though.

DJ LeMahieu hits his 3rd career grand slam! pic.twitter.com/CSeQQoaLnm
— MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2024

If not for Chisholm’s injury, it feels safe to guess LeMahieu and Cabrera would have at least slightly platooned at third. Oswald Peraza, the third man in the preseason third base battle, has only mustered eight hits and a .598 OPS over his first 44 plate appearances.

Cabrera is no stranger to trailing off after a strong start. He held a .303 average with three homers, 14 RBI, and a .838 OPS through the Yankees’ first 18 games last year. Unfortunately for the Yankees, Cabrera hit just .232 with five homers and a .611 OPS over his final 91 games, and went 1-for-6 in the playoffs.

For now, Yankees fans should prepare to see LeMahieu man second base as early as this weekend. Don’t be surprised, though, if he’s back at his familiar third base spot within the next month.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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