The New York Yankees made a significant roster move on Monday to activate designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton from the 60-day injured list for the first time this season. To facilitate this move, the team designated versatile utility player Pablo Reyes for assignment while expanding the role of former top infield prospect Oswald Peraza, who is now venturing into uncharted territory: the outfield.
At just 25 years old, Peraza has been working diligently with coach Luis Rojas at Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium to adapt to outfield positioning and throwing techniques. Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Peraza’s ability to handle this new role, stating, “With our roster now, we’re making sure he gets some reps out there, because that could become a realistic thing.” Boone highlighted the need for versatility, noting that in-game situations like pinch running or substitutions could see Peraza deployed in the outfield for the first time in his career.
Peraza, who has never played outfield in the minors or during his four partial seasons with the Yankees, has started 30 games this year: 24 at third base, four at second, and two at shortstop in place of starter Anthony Volpe. Meanwhile, Reyes, who was let go, had appeared in nine outfield games for the Yankees this season, including one start, and boasts 67 outfield appearances across eight big-league seasons with five teams.
The Yankees’ infield has seen changes recently, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. taking over at third base since his return on June 3 from a six-week injury stint, and DJ LeMahieu holding down second base since mid-May. Peraza’s outfield training offers the Yankees a new option amid limited roster flexibility. “We don’t have a lot of flexibility, so there’s going to come a time where we have to be comfortable with it. Or get comfortable being uncomfortable,” Boone said. He praised Peraza’s athleticism and defensive prowess as an infielder, expressing confidence that he’ll adapt well “in a pinch.”
Elsewhere, right-hander JT Brubaker is nearing a return after a long recovery from Tommy John surgery in April 2023. Traded to the Yankees from the Pittsburgh Pirates in March 2024, Brubaker, who last pitched in the majors on October 4, 2022, faced a setback in spring training when a comebacker fractured three of his ribs. Now healthy, he threw five hitless innings in his most recent minor league outing and is expected to serve in long relief, according to Boone. “The feeling and everything that you get when you’re out on the field is what keeps you going,” Brubaker said, motivated by the opportunity to contribute.
In unfortunate news, reliever Jake Cousins is set to undergo Tommy John surgery on Wednesday. Cousins was a key part of the Yankees’ bullpen in 2024, posting a 2.37 ERA over 38 innings and appearing in six postseason games.
On a brighter note, Aaron Judge leads all players in the first All-Star Game voting update with 1,568,527 votes. Paul Goldschmidt tops the American League first base voting, while Ben Rice ranks second among designated hitters, though his playing time may decrease with Stanton’s return.
Peraza’s unexpected transition to the outfield has stunned Yankees fans, showcasing the team’s willingness to push boundaries to maximize their roster’s potential as they navigate a challenging season.