Cabrera and Judge Face Setbacks as MLB Season Winds Down
WHO:
MLB.com - Oswaldo Cabrera expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play again, stating, “If I’m going to be the same guy, or even better. But I made sure to work out every single day, to work out mentally, to work out physically, and to get better.”
NBC Sports - Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated, “I don’t know,” regarding Aaron Judge's potential return for the postseason.
MLB.com - Oswaldo Cabrera, a 27-year-old utility man, is now with the Cincinnati Reds after being claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees.
MLB.com - Aaron Judge, a three-time AL MVP and Yankees slugger, is currently on the injured list.
NBC Sports - Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented on Judge's injury status.
NBC Sports - Cody Bellinger, a three-time All-Star, expressed frustration for Judge.
WHAT:
MLB.com - Cabrera has a career batting average of .232 with 20 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases over 867 big-league at-bats.
NBC Sports - Judge was 4 for 23 with 13 strikeouts and one extra-base hit in seven games since returning from a broken rib.
MLB.com - Cabrera suffered a gruesome ankle injury in May 2025, leading to season-ending surgery for a fractured ankle and severe ligament damage.
MLB.com - Cabrera played only three games for the Yankees this season, going hitless in nine at-bats.
MLB.com - Cabrera batted .288 with a .789 OPS, 19 home runs, and 69 RBIs in 122 Triple-A games this year.
NBC Sports - Judge is on the injured list due to a right calf strain and may miss most or all of the regular season.
NBC Sports - Judge was removed for a pinch hitter in the sixth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins due to leg discomfort.
NBC Sports - Judge has a batting average of .241 with 18 home runs and 41 RBIs over 66 games this season.
WHERE:
MLB.com - Cabrera is now with the Cincinnati Reds, specifically at Great American Ball Park.
NBC Sports - The Yankees are based in New York.
WHEN:
MLB.com - Cabrera's injury occurred during a game on May 12, 2025.
NBC Sports - The Yankees plan to make a roster move on Saturday, with the possibility of backdating it to Thursday.
NBC Sports - The Yankees' regular-season finale is on September 27.
WHY:
MLB.com - Cabrera worked hard to recover from his injury, focusing on physical and mental workouts to improve.
NBC Sports - Boone stated that the Yankees have had to play much of the season without Judge, emphasizing the team's depth.
HOW:
MLB.com - Cabrera was welcomed by Reds manager Terry Francona, who received positive reports about Cabrera, stating, “Who knows what happens? But a switch-hitter that can play multiple positions. Great kid. There doesn’t seem to be any harm in trying.”
MLB.com - Cabrera was claimed off waivers by the Reds after being designated for assignment by the Yankees.
NBC Sports - Judge's injury was treated as a precautionary measure after he experienced discomfort during a game.
Oswaldo Cabrera expressed his gratitude for the chance to play again, emphasizing his commitment to improving both mentally and physically. Meanwhile, Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains uncertain about Aaron Judge's potential return for the postseason, as Judge has struggled since coming back from a broken rib, hitting just 4 for 23 with 13 strikeouts in his last seven games. Reds manager Terry Francona welcomed Cabrera, noting the positive reports about him and highlighting his versatility as a switch-hitter who can play multiple positions.