Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Oswaldo Cabrera Injury Update: Yankees Infielder Heads to IL with Broken Ankle

Bad news for Yankees fans!

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Yankees may have walked away with an 11–5 win Monday night in Seattle, but the celebration was hollow. The sight of Oswaldo Cabrera, a beloved figure in the clubhouse and among fans, being taken off the field in an ambulance turned a resounding victory into an emotionally jarring evening. Nobody wanted to see someone like Cabrera go down like that.

On Tuesday, the worst was confirmed: Cabrera has been diagnosed with a fractured left ankle and placed on the 10-day injured list, the team announced before their series finale against the Mariners. The injury occurred during the top of the ninth inning, as Cabrera attempted to score from third base on an Aaron Judge sacrifice fly.

A Yankee trainer without hesitation places a towel over Oswaldo Cabrera’s ankle. Both staffs knew immediately the seriousness of the injury. pic.twitter.com/vNfIsykQxU
— Jason Krump (@JasonKrump) May 13, 2025

In a display of heads-up baserunning, Cabrera avoided the tag from Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh by sliding wide of the plate and reaching back with his left hand. But as he twisted around, his left ankle appeared to buckle awkwardly under his own weight. The moment he hit the ground, it was clear something was wrong.

The training staff rushed to his side immediately, and while a cart initially came out onto the warning track, it was ultimately an ambulance that was driven onto the field to transport Cabrera. His teammates surrounded him at the plate, many visibly shaken. The crowd fell silent as he was stretchered off through the outfield gate.

Trent Grisham wipes away a tear after talking about Oswaldo Cabrera pic.twitter.com/LktaxXFMir
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 13, 2025

Cabrera, 26, had gone 1-for-4 in the game, singling in the ninth off Mariners reliever Troy Taylor before advancing to third on a Trent Grisham base hit. Grisham, who homered twice in the game, was one of several Yankees who looked shaken afterward.

Oswaldo Cabrera Heads to the IL, DJ LeMahieu Is Back

Before Tuesday’s game, New York announced a pair of roster moves:

INF/OF Oswaldo Cabrera placed on the 10-day IL with a left ankle fracture
INF DJ LeMahieu reinstated from the 10-day IL

LeMahieu, who missed the start of the season due to a calf issue and hip discomfort, is expected to take over the majority of third base duties in Cabrera’s absence. The 35-year-old veteran was activated Tuesday after completing his rehab assignment.

Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Placed INF/OF Oswaldo Cabrera on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle fracture.
• Returned INF DJ LeMahieu (#26) from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 10-day injured list.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 13, 2025

Cabrera had been off to a steady if unspectacular start this season, slashing .243/.319/.311 (81 OPS+) with a home run and 11 RBIs in 33 games. In his career, he’s posted a .233/.291/.352 line with 19 homers and 15 steals across 267 big-league games, though his impact on the team has always gone far beyond the numbers.

ALSO READ: Even In Pain, Oswaldo Cabrera Makes Aaron Judge (and Fans) Smile with a Simple Question

Oswaldo Cabrera’s versatility and infectious energy have made him one of the most universally appreciated players on the Yankees roster. His injury leaves a noticeable void, emotionally and strategically.

No timeline has yet been provided for his recovery, but fractures of this nature often require extended rehab.

Oswaldo Cabrera

Yankees

Mohsin Baldiwala

mlb

Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.