Just a few months ago, one of the Yankees’ stars must have been wondering how to stay with the team, even if it’s a bench player position. “I love the Yankees. I want an opportunity to play for this team. This is my dream.” He was willing to play either second or third base, but deep down, he always wished to play as a shortstop. And now, the 25-year-old infielder was suddenly spotted trotting out to right field on Saturday. Oswald Peraza is spending most of his batting practice at Fenway Park, guided by outfield coach Luis Rojas. Not only did Peraza throw to the different bases, but he also took fly balls and had some changes in footwork. “We want to make sure we get him out there a little bit just in case,” manager Aaron Boone shared, stressing the probability of getting him in a new position.The New York Yankees’ outfield situation has been complicated. They already have four outfielders on their active roster. And because of that, either Jasson Domínguez, Cody Bellinger, or Grisham remains out. So, adding a quality utility player on the bench would definitely make sense. And Peraza, too, is ready to embrace this position and fill that gap whenever required. Talkin’ Yanks recently posted a report by Max Goodman on X. “Oswald Peraza is learning how to play the outfield for the first time. And with Pablo Reyes gone, Peraza could play outfield at some point this summer.” Oswald Peraza is learning how to play the outfield for the first time. And with Pablo Reyes gone, Peraza could play outfield at some point this summer, per @MaxTGoodman pic.twitter.com/iTaHs0PtuV— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 16, 2025Perhaps the Yankees are doing the right thing. The team is currently sitting atop the AL East with a 42-29 record. But they have lost the last four matches, three against the Red Sox and one against the Angels. And now, after designating Pablo Reyes for assignment, Peraza can be a solution to their lineup gaps.According to Aaron Boone, Peraza may not play the outfield frequently. It is “just in case,” but also not disposable. The possibilities run even higher given that Giancarlo Stanton may soon be back from the injured list ahead of the roster reshuffling. And the Yanks will need someone as their backup outfielder – enter Peraza. Meanwhile, Boone is currently considering Oswald Peraza as a true utility player who can be the missing piece in their outfield complexity. Despite having good depth in the outfield, the availability of players is not guaranteed. And given the current state, there’s little room for error. So, the Yankees are kinda in desperate need to think outside the box to achieve remarkable results.Will the Yankees’ rising star be a good bet?Well, it’s too early to say whether Oswald Peraza can be a successful option for the Yankees, especially given that he hasn’t played an inning in the outfield in his pro career. But it cannot be denied that his presence and versatility as a utility player have been tremendous. So, the Yankees’ recent move might allow their roster to be just the right amount of flexible.Oswald Peraza’s training sessions reportedly went well, even though it might take some time to adjust to playing backup outfield. He has practiced throwing on different bases. So, when he’s not starting, Boone can move him around the infield and outfiedl. The positives of this opportunity, though, will depend on how well he adjusts to the position. And if things go well, the Yankees can bring depth to their outfield, which is crucial for their postseason run.True that Peraza struggled at the plate this season, batting at a .160 average and posting only three home runs at a .538 OPS. But his value is worth more than just the stats. He has experience at second base, third base, and as a shortstop. Manager Boone may now have the advantage of playing him whenever a replacement situation arises because he is concentrating on taking the fly balls and honing his throwing technique.Even though Peraza may not play that often, his willingness to take on new roles can translate to new opportunities. It will surely allow him to strengthen his outfield skills. And for the rest, we will have to wait and experience.But would you tell us something honestly? Did Peraza’s flexibility remind you of anyone? Hint: Probably a recent trade from the Bronx Bombers’ archenemies?The post Yankees Rising Star Embraces Position Change in Bid to Become Versatile Answer to Lineup Gaps appeared first on EssentiallySports.