The New York Yankees largely ignored Oswald Peraza for months, even though Josh Donaldson and DJ LeMahieu (and even Anthony Volpe) were struggling badly with the bat and he was brilliant in Triple-A.
With news that Donaldson might lose the remainder of the season due to a calf tear, the Yankees called up Peraza and will give him ample playing time at third base.
He entered Sunday’s game against the Colorado Rockies as a pinch runner and went 1-1 with a steal and an RBI in his first MLB action since early May.
Then, on Monday, he showed just how good he can be with an incredible game against the Los Angeles Angels.
He went 1-1 again, but with four walks and a stolen base.
He also scored a run.
He was instrumental in chasing the excellent, yet ineffective Griffin Canning from the game with his patience and willingness to work the count.
Oswald Peraza on base all five times tonight, seeing 34 pitches by himself.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) July 18, 2023
Yankees insider Bryan Hoch reported that Peraza saw 34 pitches on Monday night.
That was in five plate appearances, with 6.8 pitches per trip to the plate.
That’s incredible patience, and adds another dimension to the Yankees offense.
In Triple-A, Peraza also hit 12 home runs and stole 11 bases: he has power and speed too, not to mention he is probably the Yankees’ best defensive infielder.
He is an extremely valuable asset, and given Donaldson’s injury, the team is now very likely to keep him past the trade deadline.
He has All-Star potential if the Yankees are patient with him, just like they are being patient with Volpe.
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