Oswaldo Cabrera helping Yankees survive in DJ LeMahieu’s absence
The Yankees haven’t just survived without Gerrit Cole all season, but DJ LeMahieu, as well.
Oswaldo Cabrera’s solid play at third base has been a major reason why.
After going hitless in his previous three games, Cabrera had a pair of singles in Thursday’s 5-0 win over Seattle.
And he’s been more than serviceable at third base, where, according to Fangraphs, he’s tied for third in Defensive Runs Saved.
But LeMahieu’s return is fast approaching, with his rehab assignment from the foot injury that’s sidelined him all year scheduled to move to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this weekend and a potential season debut with the Yankees in Anaheim, Calif., next week.
Cabrera said he was looking forward to the return of LeMahieu.
“We know the things he can do for us,’’ Cabrera said.
LeMahieu’s presence may ease some of the burden on Anthony Rizzo, who has struggled badly against left-handed pitching this season.
The lefty-swinging Rizzo has traditionally hit left-handers well.
His .825 OPS against them last year was 12th-best among lefty hitters with at least 80 plate appearances.
This season, though, Rizzo is 13th-worst overall versus lefties, with an OPS of .447.
Rizzo said the trouble is mostly due to not seeing many left-handers lately.
And San Diego is scheduled to throw three straight righty starters at the Yankees in their upcoming series.
Still, a healthy LeMahieu could fill in for Rizzo at first, keeping Cabrera at third against lefties.
Jose Trevino left Thursday’s game with an illness, according to Aaron Boone. Austin Wells pinch hit for Trevino in the bottom of the eighth.
Boone said Trevino would travel with the team to the West Coast.
After the game, Trevino said he was “fine” and would be able to play Friday.
Clay Holmes bounced back well from his first poor outing of the season.
After giving up four runs in Monday’s loss to the Mariners, Holmes picked up a four-out save Thursday.
He entered with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth and got Luke Raley to ground out and then pitched around a pair of singles in the ninth.
Boone said he wasn’t surprised Holmes didn’t have any lingering issues after Monday.
“He’s cut out for it,’’ Boone said of the closer role. “In that role, you’re gonna get burned every now and then. You’ve got to turn the page. He’s equipped to handle that.”
It was also Holmes’ third save of more than three outs. Boone said he doesn’t want to use Holmes for over an inning too often.
Anthony Volpe extended his career-long hitting streak to 16 games with a leadoff single in the bottom of the first. He added a double in the seventh. It’s the longest hitting streak by a Yankee since Didi Gregorius’ 17-game streak in 2017.
Cole is expected to throw a second live batting-practice session Saturday.
