Yankees Rookie May Be Turning A Fill-In Role Into Something More

With Oswaldo Cabrera likely out for the season after fracturing his ankle, the Yankees are re-evaluating their infield mix once again. Oswald Peraza got the first look, starting both games of the Subway Series, but went 0-for-5 with a walk and a costly error. It wasn’t the impression he needed to make, and it may have cracked the door wide open for Vivas.

Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record recently noted that Vivas could be playing his way into a larger role. The lefty-hitting infielder doesn’t have the prospect pedigree of Peraza, but he’s bringing exactly what the Yankees need: contact, poise, and production.

Even before Thursday’s home run, Vivas made a strong impression in Sunday night’s series finale against the Mets, where he worked an 11-pitch at-bat against Ryne Stanek that turned into the game-winning run after a defensive miscue.

He’s earning respect inside the clubhouse, too. “I was a huge fan of him in spring training,’’ Cody Bellinger said. “I loved his at-bats. He’s a very exciting player. He’s got a lot of confidence and he’s fun to watch.’’

Vivas may not have started this season in their plans, but his play is demanding a longer look, and perhaps more than that.