Leaving Oswald Peraza off of the American League Division Series roster was one of the hardest and most controversial decisions New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone had to make in a while.
Peraza has been impressive both offensively and defensively while playing sparingly since being called up from Triple-A, with a .833 OPS, a home run and two steals.
He had a phenomenal campaign at Triple-A Scranton, but hasn’t had too many opportunities with the Yanks because Boone really likes Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Marwin Gonzalez.
Boone explained that it took some time for him to decide between Peraza and Gonzalez.
“Aaron Boone said that he was here late last night trying to decide between Oswald Peraza and Marwin Gonzalez. Ultimately he went with the veteran status and more defensive versatility,” Yankees insider Bryan Hoch tweeted.
Aaron Boone said that he was here late last night trying to decide between Oswald Peraza and Marwin Gonzalez. Ultimately he went with the veteran status and more defensive versatility.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) October 11, 2022
Gonzalez Offers More Defensive Versatility And Postseason Experience To The Yanks
Peraza could theoretically play other positions since he is a sound defensive shortstop, but it’s too late for experiments and the Yankees will probably prefer leaving him at his original position.
Gonzalez does have much more experience, including in the World Series: he won in 2017 with the Houston Astros.
And it’s also true that he has more defensive versatility: he can play all around the diamond except for center field and catcher, and the Yankees value that.
It’s disappointing to see Peraza off the roster, but his time will eventually come, perhaps even in the Championship Series if the Yanks make it that far.
He is just too talented not to be a factor at some point, and could have a role in the Yankees’ infield for years to come.
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