Shortly before spring training ended, Brian Cashman said that he would be “happier” if Aaron Boone had some additional right-handed hitting options at his disposal.
No such additions were made to the Yankees’ roster before Opening Day, though. Instead, the last two spots on the Bombers’ bench went to incumbent righties, utilitymen Pablo Reyes and Oswald Peraza.
Peraza, a former top prospect, has never shown that he can hit major league pitching. Reyes, on the other hand, has had some success, particularly against left-handed pitchers. He entered the 2024 season with a 105 wRC+ against southpaws.
Cashman referred to Reyes as the Yankees’ “predominant” in-house right-handed option for the remaining spots on the roster, solidifying what had already become clear: the 31-year-old had leapfrogged Peraza on the depth chart.
On Saturday, Reyes was in the lineup at third base for his Yankees debut against Milwaukee lefty Nestor Cortes, though Boone plans on platooning at third base early on after Oswaldo Cabrera manned the hot corner on Opening Day against the right-handed Freddy Peralta.
“Pablo’s just been so consistent all spring,” Boone said. “He’s done a really good job defensively, his versatility. He’s played everywhere. He’s done a good job in the field. He’s really swung the bat well.”
Reyes had a strong spring, hitting .311 with an .885 OPS, two home runs, five RBI and two stolen bases. A non-roster invitee this spring, he knew it would be difficult to make the Yankees’ roster.
“It was tough,” Reyes said. “What I told myself was I had to show them that I can play hard. I had to show them that I can do this, and I had to show Boonie that I can help the team.”
Reyes did that, earning Boone’s admiration along the way. DJ LeMahieu’s calf injury and the lack of strong third base candidates also helped his chances.
“I’ve enjoyed seeing him play on a daily basis,” Boone said. “He earned his way on this team. He didn’t have an easy pathway to make this club, and he did with his performance and just how well he’s played.”
While Boone is a fan of Reyes — who can play all over the diamond — the veteran hasn’t done anything special over 233 major league games in Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Boston and Queens.
Reyes entered Saturday’s game with a .248 average, .658 OPS, eight homers and 54 RBI for his career.
Those numbers won’t quell the Yankees’ right-handed hitting concerns, but Boone still has high expectations for his lineup against left-handed pitchers.
“The makeup of our roster, we’re more set up against right-handed pitching,” the manager said. “But I expect us to do well against lefties.”
Reyes, meanwhile, will try to keep seizing whatever opportunities the Yankees’ roster construction affords him.
He became a fan favorite in Boston, and he’s hoping to have a similar connection with the Bronx faithful.
“When I was there, the fans loved the way that I play,” Reyes said. “But now I’m here, so I’m gonna be ready to give Yankees fans the best show I can.
“I’m gonna play hard and give them my best.”
DOMÍNGUEZ AND BELLINGER
The Yankees, protecting a three-run lead, switched up their outfield in the eighth inning on Opening Day. Trent Grisham, a talented defender, entered the game in center, while Cody Bellinger shifted from center to left. Jasson Domínguez went from left to the bench.
Afterward, Bellinger told the Daily News that he knew going into the game that the plan was for him to shift to left in the late innings.
“If it was close toward the end, I definitely knew,” Bellinger said.
The move was notable, as Domínguez has made a few mistakes in left field dating back to last September. However, he and Boone have been happy with the natural center fielder’s progress in the corner since he made a few gaffes early in spring training.
“I feel like he keeps getting better,” Boone said. “I thought his work in spring training was excellent. I thought as the spring unfolded, we really started to see his athleticism and his speed come into play. His routes, I feel like, continue to evolve and get better and better. So my expectation is that he’s going to be really good out there.”
On Saturday, Boone had Domínguez DHing with Grisham starting in center and Bellinger in left.
STANTON IN THE CAGE
After previously saying that Giancarlo Stanton (tennis elbows) had started swinging, Boone specified that the designated hitter has been taking cuts in the cage, opposed to just dry ones.
“It’s been a good couple of weeks,” Boone added, though there’s still no timetable on Stanton.
HAMILTON SHOULDN’T BE LONG
Ian Hamilton (viral infection) was scheduled to start a a rehab assignment at Triple-A on Saturday. Boone said he expects the reliever back “as soon as he’s eligible,” which would be April 8, and mentioned the need for a few minor league outings.
