Yankees Spring Update: Cabrera’s Back, Volpe Swings Again, and Schlittler Nears the Mound
TAMPA, Fla. - If you caught Oswaldo Cabrera grinning from ear to ear at Steinbrenner Field on Monday, there was a good reason for it. The Yankees’ utility man - part infielder, part outfielder, all energy - was thrilled to be back in the swing of things. Literally.
“Live BP swings today!” he beamed.
For Cabrera, that moment marked a milestone. It was his first time stepping into live batting practice since suffering a brutal season-ending injury last May 3 in Seattle - a fractured left ankle with torn ligaments after an awkward slide into home. That play ended his season, but nearly 10 months later, Cabrera says he’s healthy, cleared, and “on schedule” to be ready for Opening Day on March 26 in San Francisco.
But while Cabrera’s enthusiasm is contagious, the Yankees are tapping the brakes - at least for now.
“I’m not running full bore because we’re still building it,” Cabrera said. “But if I had to right now, I’m ready.”
He might feel game-ready, but the Yankees are taking the cautious route. With Grapefruit League games kicking off Friday, manager Aaron Boone made it clear they’re not rushing Cabrera into action.
“We’ll take a little time before we get him into games,” Boone said. “I’m not sure when we’ll debut him in games.
What that looks like depends here over the next couple of weeks. So we’ll see.”
That kind of patience makes sense. Cabrera is a high-energy player who thrives on versatility and hustle - the very traits that put him at risk for re-injury if he’s not fully ramped up. The Yankees want him at 100%, not 85%, and they’re willing to wait.
But Monday wasn’t just about Cabrera’s comeback. The Yankees got a couple more reasons to smile.
Shortstop Anthony Volpe took his first swings since undergoing surgery to repair a torn left labrum - a key step in his rehab process. Volpe suffered the injury last May while diving for a ball at shortstop.
He managed to gut through the season without hitting the IL, but the toll was clear. He finished the year hitting just .212 and led all AL shortstops with 19 errors.
Now, with the surgery behind him and the calendar flipped to 2026, the Yankees are eyeing a May return for Volpe. That’s not ideal, but it’s a realistic timeline for a player who’s expected to be a long-term cornerstone up the middle.
Also trending in the right direction is right-hander Cam Schlittler. After being sidelined briefly due to back inflammation and some discomfort in his left lat, Schlittler has been cleared to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday. It’s a good sign for a pitcher the Yankees are counting on to compete for a rotation spot this spring.
“He was built up pretty good and we didn’t shut him down at all,” Boone said. “He was still doing his flat ground when we took him off the mound. I don’t think we thought it was a big issue, but more of one we wanted to get in front of, just in case.”
That kind of proactive approach is what spring training is for - catching small issues before they become big ones. And in Schlittler’s case, it looks like the Yankees’ caution paid off.
As for Cabrera, his return to the field is more than just a rehab checkpoint. He’s a spark plug in the clubhouse, a fan favorite for his energy and positivity, and a valuable piece thanks to his ability to play all over the diamond. Getting him back - even in limited capacity - is a boost for the entire organization.
“It’s been a long road coming back from obviously a serious injury,” Boone said. “You know how Oswald attacks that and just how he attacks life. He ends up making everyone else feel better about it, especially in the early days of the injury.
“The fact that he’s doing everything now is encouraging and hopefully he continues to get that last layer of maneuverability. But it’s always good when he’s around and he obviously brings a lot to the table for us.”
So while the Yankees are still weeks away from penciling in their Opening Day roster, Monday offered a glimpse of what’s to come - a team getting healthier, a clubhouse getting louder, and a few key pieces inching closer to game action. Spring is here, and the Yankees are starting to take shape.