We all remember May 12 – Cabrera injuring his ankle in an attempted slide. And ngl, we related to the pain, especially when you score, when you win, but still have to take off in an ambulance. While we kept celebrating the cracking sound of the homers and the YMCA chants, it has been hard to get past this particular incident of the team’s 3B against the Seattle Mariners. 

Oswaldo Cabrera was soon sidelined, and the Yankees replaced him with DJ LeMahieu. Then, we know how things unfolded with the 26-year-old. He underwent an ankle repair surgery on May 15, and right now, he is on the path to recovery. But with no timetable for his return. Still, Cabrera felt blessed because he received “THOUSANDS of messages from my family, friends, fans, agents, coaches, teammates — I simply had messages from EVERYONE…”

Now, recently, in an interview with Jack Curry of the YES Network, Oswaldo Cabrera opened up more about this feeling. He confessed how certain things helped him transition into the next superstar. Get ready to be shocked a bit…

“That’s one of the most beautiful things that happened in my life. Obviously, bad things happen—bad moments. And see all the support of my coaches and my teammates, and see all the support of my family, friends, and fiancé. But the fans get involved with me any time I put up my phone and see everybody sending me texts and posting, so whatever, I see how they love me.” And we know it’s true, right? Cabrera got every bit of support from fans and his teammates. Right from the injury till date…

Well, it was the first interview since the injury, and Cabrera sure seemed to be at peace. Because with all the love he has been receiving, it made him feel that “I’m going in the right way.” Probably, that’s how a star is born.  

Obviously, the New York Yankees won that game by 11-5, but the fun would’ve probably been faded. Considering how much they loved Cabrera and how him getting hurt was the last thing they wanted. However, they were quick enough to get a shower after the game and visit ‘Waldo’ at the hospital. “That means a lot to me,” shared Cabrera.

Even injured, he didn’t forget to inquire about whether they had won the match. 

Oswaldo Cabrera remains optimistic that he will return soon. He is doing the right things and moving on the right path. Ideally, he will exert more effort to return to the starting lineup as quickly as possible. But the support and treatment he received from managers, coaches, and players alike is nothing short of superstar treatment.

But for now, with Cabrera’s injury, a dark shadow has been looming. It’s perhaps the gap at third base that’s yet to be resolved. In fact, it may even threaten their aspirations of becoming the world champions this season. What is more concerning is that, contrary to what many anticipated, the team has not yet chosen to appoint a seasoned player to that position.

Beyond Cabrera: The Yankees are searching for a solution to the third base problem

Well, at the moment, the Yankees seek stability at third base. Although Oswaldo Cabrera batted at an average of .243 with a .322 OBP and a .630 OPS, he managed to post only one home run before getting injured. And now, the question is, who can play third base for the time being?

Well, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is finally set to return from his injury. New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone feels that he can play at third base for the Double-A Somerset. Given that Oswaldo Cabrera is injured, Chisholm Jr. will probably be asked to cover that roster void.

“Boone told me he wanted me at third base. He really wanted me at third base. I am a team guy. I’m here to win a ring. I’m not here to fight over positions,” Jazz Chisholm Jr. shared. Plus, earlier, Chisholm Jr. had expressed his interest in playing third. He has been a fan of Alex Rodriguez, who also used to play third base. But will he be effective?

Well, he made three errors when playing second base (29 games for this season). And Jazz Chisholm Jr. has posted seven home runs at a .181 average, which is not something great, tbh. So, given the glaring issue, he may try to change his bat swing after making a comeback. But if he plays third base, DJ LeMahieu or perhaps Oswald Peraza or Jorbit Vivas will have to switch to second base.

While speculations are mounting around third base, the story might keep unfolding new drama as the season progresses. But everything aside, do YOU think Jazz Chisholm Jr. will be a good fit for third base?