Oswald Peraza's future still in flux with Yankees finalizing roster
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TAMPA — The Yankees have their 26-man roster just about set, with an asterisk.

By Sunday afternoon, the club had not yet notified the remaining players who secured a spot on the team. They decided to wait and observe how the situation evolves in the upcoming days, considering potential cuts, opt-outs, waivers, and trades.

The Yankees are currently looking to acquire a right-handed batter, possibly someone who could alternate with Oswaldo Cabrera at third base. Additionally, they are open to the idea of strengthening the bullpen with a new addition.

Manager Aaron Boone mentioned, “We have a good idea of our final choices.” This statement came after the Yankees drew 3-3 against the Rays in their last spring game at Steinbrenner Field. He added, “In the baseball industry, unexpected changes can occur in the next few days. There is always a chance of last-minute adjustments. However, we are almost settled on our decisions.”

As currently constructed, the final two bench spots would go to Pablo Reyes and Oswald Peraza, while the final three bullpen spots would belong to Yoendrys Gómez, Brent Headrick and Yerry De Los Santos.

But a move or two in the days leading up to Thursday’s Opening Day — as the Yankees have often done the past few years — could change those plans.

“They haven’t told me anything,” Peraza said through an interpreter. “We still have two more games left. For me, it’s just to focus on my job.”

Peraza’s spot may be the most tenuous of that group, as the slick-fielding but light-hitting infielder is out of minor league options.

In sporadic big league opportunities, he has yet to prove he can hit enough to stick, and in camp so far has hit .174 with a .465 OPS in 46 at-bats.

“I have full confidence in the skills that I have,” said Peraza, who is scheduled to start Monday’s game against the Mets in Port St. Lucie and then head to Miami for Tuesday’s exhibition. “I definitely want to be a better ballplayer. If you’re given the chance, the work won’t stop. Striving to be better on the field, that doesn’t stop. Just waiting to see. Definitely a decision that’s not up to me. Just looking for the opportunity. If it’s there, I’ll be right there to take advantage.”

Reyes put himself on the map with a strong spring and, despite being a non-roster invitee, may have jumped over Peraza on the pecking order.

He has flashed some pop in the bat, which Boone has raved about, and shown his defensive versatility between third base, second base and the corner outfield spots.

The bullpen competition was narrowed down to three internal relievers for three spots on Sunday after the Yankees reassigned Wilking Rodríguez to minor league camp.

The hard-throwing 35-year-old, who last appeared in the big leagues in 2014, had a strong spring as a non-roster invitee with a 2.57 ERA.

Gómez, who like Peraza is out of minor league options, appears to be the closest thing to a lock to make the bullpen.

With a tick up in velocity this spring while converting from starter to reliever, the 25-year-old has not allowed a run across 11 ¹/₃ innings.

Headrick, a lefty, could offer length (the Yankees like him in the 30-40 pitch range, where his stuff plays up) while De Los Santos has a 1.93 ERA this spring.

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