It took a while for New York Yankees rookie infielder/outfielder Oswaldo Cabrera to settle in and adjust to MLB pitching.
For weeks, he looked lost at the plate.
Now, with more than 150 plate appearances under his belt, we can firmly say the Yankees have an above-average hitter and a stellar versatile fielder in Cabrera.
The Yankees’ patience with the rookie paid off.
On Tuesday’s matinee against the Texas Rangers, he hit his sixth home run of the season and looks like a legitimate threat at the plate ahead of the postseason.
“Oswaldo Cabrera continues to amaze with a first inning home run!,” Talkin’ Yanks tweeted on Tuesday afternoon.
Oswaldo Cabrera continues to amaze with a first inning home run! pic.twitter.com/MzGpyC1T0X
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) October 4, 2022
It was a majestic drive to right field to give the Yankees a 1-0 lead against Texas in the first inning.
Cabrera Has Stepped Up In September
Ever since Aaron Judge hit his home runs number 60, he has entered a bit of a power drought.
That’s understandable given the circumstances.
During that time – it happened on September 20 – Cabrera and Giancarlo Stanton lead the Yankees in homers, with four apiece.
For the season as a whole, Cabrera is slashing .243/.308/.417 with five homers, 20 runs, 18 RBI, three steals and a 107 wRC+ (100 is average) in 159 trips to the plate.
It has been a tale of two seasons, however: in 80 plate appearances upon making his debut and until September 9, he slashed a poor .187/.225/.253 with a 34 (!) wRC+.
However, since September 10, Cabrera is slashing a strong .304/.392/.594 with five homers and a 181 wRC+ in 79 plate appearances.
Evidently, he had some issues making the adjustment from Triple-A to the majors.
It’s not that easy.
However, he was able to settle in and the Yankees are now enjoying a top hitter.
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