Oswaldo Cabrera excited for 2026 spring training debut after 9-month injury layoff

Yankees utility player Oswaldo Cabrera set to return to the field after gruesome ankle injury last May

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Oswaldo Cabrera, a utility player for the New York Yankees, is set to make his spring training debut on Friday after missing the last nine months of the 2025 season due to a serious left ankle injury. Cabrera, who turned 27 on Sunday, slashed .243/.322/.308 with four doubles, one homer and 11 RBIs in 34 games for the Yankees last season before sustaining the injury in May. He underwent surgery and has been working his way back, with manager Aaron Boone saying Cabrera has made significant progress in recent weeks. Cabrera is excited to rejoin his teammates on the field, saying "I can't control my emotions right now" about his upcoming return.

Why it matters

Cabrera has been a valuable utility player for the Yankees over the past four seasons, appearing at every position besides pitcher and catcher. His return to the field is an important step as the team prepares for the 2026 season, especially with top prospect Anthony Volpe set to begin the year on the injured list while recovering from shoulder surgery.

The details

Cabrera suffered a fracture of his left ankle and ligament damage while sliding on May 12 at T-Mobile Park. He was carted off the field in an ambulance and underwent surgery three days later. Cabrera used a scooter and walking boot upon his return, though he was fielding ground balls by the end of the Yankees' season. The hardest part for Cabrera was watching his teammates continue to play without him, saying "When you're in this clubhouse, you feel like part of this family. That was tough."

  • Cabrera suffered the injury on May 12, 2025.
  • Cabrera underwent surgery three days later on May 15, 2025.
  • Cabrera is set to make his spring training debut on Friday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Oswaldo Cabrera

A 27-year-old utility player for the New York Yankees who missed the last nine months of the 2025 season due to a serious left ankle injury.

Aaron Judge

A star outfielder for the New York Yankees who visited Cabrera in the hospital after his injury.

Anthony Volpe

A top Yankees prospect who is set to begin the 2026 season on the injured list while recovering from left shoulder surgery.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Ryan McMahon

A player the Yankees are experimenting with as a backup shortstop with Volpe injured.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited. I can't control my emotions right now. Having nine months out of the field, I feel so happy about it. I'm feeling so good right now.”

— Oswaldo Cabrera (mlb.com)

“It's been a pretty long road for him. It's been exciting to see some of the improvement he's made over the last few weeks.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager (mlb.com)

What’s next

The judge in Cabrera's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

Cabrera's long road back from a serious ankle injury highlights the perseverance and dedication required for professional athletes to overcome major setbacks and return to the field. His excitement to rejoin his Yankees teammates is a testament to the close-knit nature of the team and the importance of supporting injured players through their recovery process.