Yankees Key Prospect Shut Down For Significant Period

He was thought to be the shortstop of the future for the New York Yankees, though he took a bit of a step back last season. But now, infielder and former elite prospect Oswald Peraza will miss about two months of the season due to a shoulder strain.

News from Fort Myers: Aaron Boone says that Oswald Peraza will be shut down for 6-8 weeks with a subscapularis strain in his right shoulder. #Yankees

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 9, 2024

Manager Aaron Boone says that Peraza will be shut down for 6 to 8 weeks with a subscapularis strain in his right shoulder. Peraza had complained 10 days ago about "some pinching” in his throwing shoulder when he tried to throw across the infield, but the Yankees believed the issue to be minor and didn't plan any tests at that time. 

Another week and a half later, and an MRI has revealed the true problem behind his shoulder pain. 

Peraza and Anthony Volpe were linked for years in the Yankees' system as the future infield in the Bronx for years to come. And while Volpe took the shortstop job and ran with it last season, remaining the starter all year, Peraza struggled in his 190 at-bat sample in 2023, slashing just .191/.267/.272. He was still expected to provide some backup infield insurance this season, even though the Yankees had tried to land a veteran infielder for that purpose in recent weeks. 

Others in Yankees camp battling for a backup infield spot on the roster include Jeter Downs, Kevin Smith, Jordan Groshans, and Josh VanMeter. All are in camp on non-roster deals.

 Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports