The Yankees have reinstated center fielder Harrison Bader from the injured list, the team announced on Tuesday. Here’s a breakdown of the key details:
Bader had been sidelined since May 30 due to a right hamstring strain and was placed on the 10-day IL. The 29-year-old outfielder has posted a .267/.295/.511 slash line across 26 games this season. In a corresponding roster move, the Yankees optioned Oswaldo Cabrera to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Additionally, Carlos Rodón is set to begin his rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset on Tuesday.
What This Means for the Yankees
Bader’s return is a major boost for New York, particularly on defense. He is regarded as one of the elite defenders in center field, ranking in the 93rd percentile for Outs Above Average per Statcast metrics. The Yankees had been utilizing Billy McKinney and Isiah Kiner-Falefa in center, and while they have performed adequately, neither matches Bader’s defensive prowess. His strong throwing arm and speed on the basepaths also add another dimension to the team. Offensively, the Yankees are hopeful that he can maintain something close to the .806 OPS he produced before his IL stint.
Why Cabrera Was Sent Down
Cabrera was previously optioned to Triple-A earlier this month to work on his swing, but an injury to Greg Allen led to his swift return to the major league roster. Since rejoining the team, Cabrera has seen limited action at the plate with just 14 plate appearances. In the meantime, McKinney, who was called up in Aaron Judge’s absence, has become a bright spot in the Yankees’ offense and has taken over in left field, reducing Cabrera’s opportunities. At the start of the season, Cabrera was viewed as the Yankees’ primary utility player, but Kiner-Falefa has since taken over that role. To earn his spot back, Cabrera will need to show improved plate discipline and an ability to handle fastballs effectively.
Background
This marks Bader’s second IL stint this season. He missed over a month at the beginning of the year due to an oblique strain suffered during spring training before making his season debut on May 2. Now in his second year with the Yankees, Bader previously spent more than five seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals before being acquired by New York at last year’s trade deadline. He played just 14 regular-season games for the Yankees after returning from plantar fasciitis last season.
As of Tuesday, the Yankees sit in third place in the American League East with a 39-33 record.
