The New York Yankees were able to beat the Cleveland Guardians in a Game 5 elimination game on Tuesday to advance to the ALCS against the Houston Astros.
They face a quick turnaround on Wednesday for Game 1 of the ALCS, and the organization has made a huge decision regarding their roster for the series.
There are a number of changes that the Yankees made ahead of Wednesday’s game, including adding top prospect Oswald Peraza to their active roster for the series.
Peraza certainly impressed Yankees fans after being called up back in September, putting together a .306./.404/.429 slash line at the plate in 16 games with New York. He’s currently ranked as the third-highest prospect in the Yankees organization (No. 50 in MLB), and Yankees fans are certainly happy to see him on the roster for this pivotal series against the Astros.
Oswald Peraza is the most equipped SS on this roster based on what we've seen and heard. Play him. #NYY https://t.co/G8bnxqgREa
— Chris Lopresti (@CLoprestiWFAN) October 19, 2022
PERAZA!!!! https://t.co/2XXOoWxumK
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) October 19, 2022
PERAZA!!!! https://t.co/J7rndbi0UG
— The Great Stace Coaster (@StaceGots) October 19, 2022
Peraza instead of Marwin Gonzalez this time around https://t.co/ecLD62XFcU
— Phillip Martinez (@Phill_Martinez) October 19, 2022
Oswald Peraza returns to the Yankees' roster for the ALCS. https://t.co/TAngmqvRK2
— Sam Dykstra (@SamDykstraMiLB) October 19, 2022
Peraza wasn’t the only change to the roster, with pitcher Frankie Montas and Greg Weissert also being activated against the Astros.
With these moves, Marwin Gonzalez and Lucas Luetge will not be a part of the ALCS roster, along with Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks following his unfortunate knee injury on Tuesday night.
It remains to be seen exactly how much Peraza will be used in this series, but he at least provides an intriguing option if starting shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa struggles in this series.
New York announced their starting lineup for Game 1 of the series, which does not include Peraza.
How we’re lining up for ALCS Game 1 👇 #RepBX
Presented by @Delta pic.twitter.com/W6DcZECmQ4
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 19, 2022
At the very least, Oswald Peraza should gain a ton of experience for the future by being involved in such a high-leverage playoff series.