TAMPA — Aaron Boone is aware of how Oswald Peraza is feeling.
The Yankees supervisor sipped his first cup of main league espresso with the Reds in 1997, after which made the staff out of spring coaching in 1998. But a demotion quickly adopted, and Boone’s efficiency took a success upon his return to Triple-A. The former third baseman doesn’t assume he had an perspective after being despatched down, however Boone acknowledged it was onerous for him.
“I’m sure there was something to being back there,” Boone mentioned Monday earlier than the Yankees’ final spring coaching recreation in Tampa.
Boone shared that anecdote with Peraza on Sunday after the highest prospect misplaced the Yankees’ shortstop battle to Anthony Volpe and was assigned to Triple-A. Peraza loved a quick stint within the huge leagues final 12 months, so his scenario is analogous, although not an identical, to Boone’s expertise with Cincinnati.
Boone broke the information to Peraza in what he referred to as a “difficult conversation,” although the skipper mentioned the 22-year-old dealt with it like a professional.
“We still think he’s gonna have a long big league career as a big league shortstop and that message needed to get relayed,” Boone mentioned. “But also, like, go handle your business down there and go work and get better each and every day, and the situation can change quickly.”
Boone added that Monday might have been an off day for Peraza, however he selected to get work in.
While Volpe — the winner of the James P. Dawson Award, given yearly to probably the most excellent Yankees rookie in spring coaching — shined on either side of the ball, Peraza had a tough spring offensively. He slashed simply .190/.306/.310 with one homer.
“Listen, [Peraza] had every opportunity. He’s got a great deal of ability that we still believe in. There was only one spot available,” normal supervisor Brian Cashman mentioned Monday. “Anthony Volpe took it.”
Peraza, in the meantime, mentioned Sunday that he sensed how the competitors would play out.
“When you look at the results that he has gotten, it’s really, really good results,” Peraza mentioned. “Everybody has seen it. He has a bright future ahead of him. I can see it. Everybody can see it.”
Peraza additionally mentioned he’s been engaged on some changes on the plate that he hopes will maintain him from getting beat on inside pitches. Boone mentioned Peraza may even play some second base within the minors.
“Peraza’s a shortstop,” Cashman mentioned, “but making sure that we have some flexibility with him is gonna benefit us.”
While the infielder continues to work on his craft at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Boone is assured Peraza will return to the majors quickly, similar to Boone did with the Reds.
“His time will come,” Boone assured.
BATTING NINTH
Boone mentioned that Volpe will doubtless bat ninth to begin the 12 months, although he might hit eighth at occasions. Boone additionally mentioned he’s an choice to leadoff when DJ LeMahieu isn’t within the order.
As with all issues lineups, Volpe’s slot within the order might be fluid, particularly if he hits nicely. For now, nevertheless, Boone likes the thought of getting his strategy and velocity within the nine-hole.
“The way he controls the strike zone, he has a chance to be a guy that gets on base a lot,” Boone mentioned, including that he’ll let the rookie run. “I definitely like that component ahead of the top of our lineup.”
HAMILTON’S HANGING AROUND
Cashman mentioned the Yankees plan on maintaining Ian Hamilton round, a method or one other. The righty reliever, who has an out within the minor league contract he signed, might make the staff outright, or be added to the 40-man roster and optioned.
Hamilton made a robust case for himself this spring, not permitting a run over 8.1 innings. Derailed by a shoulder-injuring automobile accident and a line drive to the face in 2019, he owns a 4.91 ERA over 15 video games with the White Sox and Twins.
Cashman mentioned the Yankees haven’t determined but on their closing bullpen and outfield spots. He didn’t assure when to anticipate that information, although he mentioned following the Yankees’ closing exhibition recreation, on Tuesday in Washington, DC, could be preferable. The Yankees must submit their roster by 9 a.m. Thursday.
CARLOS THE CONQUERER
Carlos Rodon threw his second bullpen since mildly straining his left forearm on Monday. The session included 30 pitches, together with 5 sliders and 5 curveballs, and a bit extra depth than the southpaw’s first session.
Rodon, who will stay in Tampa, mentioned he isn’t centered on when he’ll make his Yankees debut simply but. Rather, he desires to “conquer” every step of his rehab.
“Whatever the next thing is, whether it’s live BP or a bullpen, for me, it’s like game day,” he mentioned. “That’s kind of how I’ve been attacking this. I don’t look at the timeline.”
OPENING OUTFIELD
Boone didn’t wish to reveal his Opening Day outfield configuration, however he did say that Aaron Judge most likely received’t begin in left subject. He added that the versatile Oswaldo Cabrera is a candidate to begin… someplace.
SIGNALING 77
For these trying to purchase Volpe merch, indicators level to him maintaining No. 77, although nothing is official but. His grandfather adored Mickey Mantle, whose No. 7 is retired.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com