The New York Yankees have seen DJ LeMahieu handle a majority of the work at second base since his return. However, for Oswald Peraza on the bench, at-bats are tough to come by.
LeMahieu still is not being used as an everyday player, but Peraza has still seen few opportunities. Jazz Chisholm Jr. has manned the hot corner since his return from the injured list. However, the Yankees are experimenting with a new position for Peraza, according to NJ.com’s Max Goodman.
“Take infielder Oswald Peraza who trotted out to right field on Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park, spending the majority of batting practice with outfield coach Luis Rojas,” wrote Goodman. “Peraza took fly balls, he practiced throwing to different bases and talked through footwork with Rojas.”
Pablo Reyes has made outfield appearances for the Yankees this year, but he figures to be designated for assignment when Giancarlo Stanton returns this week, according to Goodman. If that is the case, the Yankees will need someone to take Reyes’ spot as a backup outfielder.
Peraza is hitting .160 in 118 plate appearances this year. He is not going to be an everyday player for the Yankees, but the utility man can contribute to the Yankees with his versatile glove off the bench.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
In his career, Peraza has made appearances at second base, third base and shortstop. Adding the ability to play the outfield in a pinch would give Aaron Boone more flexibility with him off the bench as a pinch hitter. Peraza has just 25 plate appearances this month, but being able to take outfield reps could lead to more. He is in his fourth seaosn with the Yankees
More MLB: Dodgers’ Mookie Betts offers 4-word response to Red Sox trading Rafael Devers
