Oswaldo Cabrera’s brutal ankle injury could end 2025 hopes — but he’s not giving up just yet | MLB News
The New York Yankees’ promising third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera may be facing a long road to recovery, but he refuses to let go of his dream to return to the diamond before the 2025 MLB season concludes. Despite undergoing ankle surgery in May after a freak accident at home plate, Cabrera’s optimism remains unshaken.
‘Small possibility’ still fuels Oswaldo Cabrera’s dream of returning to Yankees in 2025
The 23-year-old sustained the injury during a May 12 clash against the Seattle Mariners. While trying to ensure he had tagged home plate following a sacrifice fly, Cabrera’s cleat got stuck in the dirt, leading to a devastating fracture in his left ankle. The play ended with him being carted off the field in an ambulance, his leg in an air cast, and the Yankees’ dugout struck by concern. The injury also involved ligament damage, further complicating his recovery.Post-surgery, manager Aaron Boone was cautious with expectations, stating it was “probably unlikely” Cabrera would see action again this year. But Cabrera has a different mindset. “That is a small possibility, but a small possibility that I trust that one,” he said. “So I’m a very optimistic guy that feels like good things can be on my way. So we’re going to work to get back soon.”
Oswaldo Cabrera injury update (Getty Images)
That sense of determination has kept him motivated during rehab. “I want to [play], obviously,” Cabrera told MLB.com. “I’m not happy to be here and not playing. To be with my guys and watch them, I’m happy to watch what they are doing out there, but I want to be with them outside. That’s my motivation that I have, to do my things to get back sooner.”Cabrera’s grit hasn’t gone unnoticed. Boone acknowledged the young infielder’s work ethic, saying, “I don’t think we’re necessarily expecting it, but you never know how he heals over the next couple of months. I know one thing with Oswaldo, there’s not a better person who loves this as much as him. I know he’s going to pour everything into the rehab process and healing.”Before the injury, Cabrera had posted a .243 batting average with a .322 on-base percentage, contributing one homer and 11 RBIs over 34 games. While Oswald Peraza and Jazz Chisholm Jr. have filled in at third base since, Cabrera’s potential postseason return—should the Yankees make a deep run—still lingers as a possibility.For now, hope fuels his comeback. And in baseball, hope has led to miracles before.Also Read: Late defensive disaster by Mets hands Dodgers 6-5 comeback win in jaw-dropping turnaround
