Yankees Roster Move Coming as DJ LeMahieu is Expected Back this Weekend

Peraza, once one of the organization’s top prospects, has youth and familiarity on his side. The 24-year-old can handle second, short, and third base, and the Yankees have invested heavily in his development. But the production hasn’t followed. He’s hitting .205 with a .612 OPS this season and hasn’t been able to establish himself during stints in the majors over the past two years. Injuries — including a shoulder issue in 2024 — have stalled his momentum.

Most importantly, Peraza is out of minor league options. If he’s designated for assignment, the Yankees risk losing him through waivers. 

It’s the harsh reality of a potential Oswald Peraza DFA.

Reyes offers the opposite profile. The 31-year-old journeyman wowed in spring training, but the Yankees have only turned to him once so far during Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s time on the injured list. 

But he’s slashing just .158/.208/.188 in minimal action and doesn’t project beyond a temporary fill-in.

The decision is further complicated by the DJ LeMahieu injury update itself. While he’s nearing a return from a calf strain suffered in spring training, LeMahieu has struggled to stay healthy since 2021. That may weigh into the Yankees’ thinking as they consider infield flexibility and reliability moving forward.

Whichever way they go, this Yankees roster move will carry implications beyond the weekend.