It was one of those moments that makes you want to look away from the TV, but you can't. On May 12, 2025, in the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners, Oswaldo Cabrera did what he always does—he hustled. He slid around Cal Raleigh at home plate to score on an Aaron Judge sacrifice fly, and then everything went wrong. His left ankle twisted in a way ankles just aren't supposed to move.
The silence at T-Mobile Park was heavy. When an ambulance drives onto the grass, you know it's bad. Honestly, seeing a guy as energetic and positive as "Waldo" being carted off on a stretcher felt like a gut punch to the entire Yankees clubhouse.
Since that night, the Oswaldo Cabrera injury update cycle has been a long, quiet road of surgery, rehab, and patience. But with the 2026 season around the corner, there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel.
The Brutal Reality of the Surgery
When Cabrera first went down, the Yankees called it a fractured left ankle. That sounded bad enough, but once the surgeons actually got in there on May 16, they found it was "more involved" than they initially thought.
Manager Aaron Boone eventually leveled with the press: it wasn't just the bone. There was significant ligament damage. That’s the kind of combo that ends seasons. While there was a tiny "window" for a late 2025 return, it never really made sense to rush it. The Yankees moved him to the 60-day IL in June, basically signaling that he was done for the year.
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Cabrera ended his 2025 campaign with just 34 games played and a .243 average. It was a huge blow for a team that relies on his "Swiss Army Knife" ability to play literally anywhere on the diamond.
Where Things Stand for Spring Training 2026
If you’re looking for the latest Oswaldo Cabrera injury update, the news is actually pretty great. In late November 2025, the Yankees and Cabrera skipped the whole arbitration headache and agreed to a one-year, $1.2 million deal.
That contract wasn't just a "thank you" for his past hustle. It was a massive vote of confidence. Reports coming out of the Bronx and Tampa indicate that Cabrera is expected to be a full participant in Spring Training 2026.
- Mobility: He’s been out of the boot and walking without a scooter since late summer.
- Activity: He started ramping up baseball activities (light hitting and fielding) during the early winter.
- Status: No restrictions are expected when pitchers and catchers report.
Basically, the ankle has healed. Now, it's just about the "mechanical" part of the game—trusting that the ankle can handle the torque of a switch-hitter's swing and the sudden lateral moves needed at third base or the outfield.
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Why the Yankees Need "Waldo" Back Now
The timing of his return couldn't be better. The Yankees' 2026 roster is already looking a bit thin in the depth department.
You’ve got Anthony Volpe coming off shoulder surgery (he might not even be ready for Opening Day). You’ve got the pitching staff in a state of flux with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón recovering from their own procedures. Having a guy who can play six different positions is a luxury Aaron Boone desperately needs right now.
Cabrera isn't just a depth piece; he’s the vibes. He’s the guy who, right before being put into an ambulance last year, reportedly asked Aaron Judge: "Hey, did I score?" That’s the kind of energy you can't teach.
What to Expect in 2026
Don't expect Cabrera to be the everyday starter at one specific spot. That’s not who he is. He’s the guy who gives Jazz Chisholm a day off at second, spells the third baseman, and covers the corners in the outfield when a lefty is on the mound.
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The biggest hurdle for him in 2026 won't be the injury itself, but the rust. Missing nearly five months of live pitching is a lot. He’ll need every bit of those February and March reps to find his timing again.
Actionable Steps for Yankees Fans
If you're following this recovery, here is what you should be watching for over the next few weeks:
- Check the early Spring Training lineups: See if he’s starting in the field or just DHing. If he’s at 3B or SS in the first week of games, the ankle is 100%.
- Watch the "turn" at second base: If he’s playing middle infield, watch how he plants his left foot on a double-play turn. That’s the ultimate test of ankle stability.
- Monitor the Volpe timeline: If Volpe is out for April, Cabrera’s role becomes significantly more important. He might be your Opening Day utility man or even a temporary starter.
The Yankees did right by Oswaldo Cabrera with that contract. Now, it’s just about seeing if that "Adamantium ankle" (as fans on Reddit nicknamed it) can hold up for 162 games. Honestly, after what he went through in Seattle, nobody is rooting against him.