The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox faced off on Tuesday, March 18, in a spring training game in Tampa, Fla. The game ended in a 4-4 tie as spring training winds down and the regular season approaches.
Yankees utility man Oswald Peraza started at third base but played only a few innings before leaving the game, leaving some fans confused about his sudden absence.
Why Oswald Peraza Left the Yankees’ Game Early
After the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed why Peraza left early. As it turns out, he had a doctor’s appointment, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
“Oswald Peraza came out of today’s game because he had a 3pm appointment with an eye doctor.”
Oswald Peraza came out of today's game because he had a 3pm appointment with an eye doctor, Aaron Boone said.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 18, 2025
Yes, that is the reason why Peraza only played limited innings on Tuesday — because he had a doctor’s appointment.
After the report came out, fans were puzzled by the development and reacted in all sorts of ways on social media. “Brotha, what?” one fan replied.
Brotha, what?
— Christian Clayton (@BigGrizzChris) March 18, 2025
“He’s gonna come back for the 9th inning with McDonald’s for lunch like he’s back in elementary school,” another fan said.
“I’ve been watching baseball over 40 years. I’ve never heard of leaving a game for an eye appointment. First time for everything,” said another.
Other fans were confused as to why the appointment was scheduled right in the middle of a game.
“Do players not schedule doctors appointments for the off season?” said one user on X.
Another fan said he can finally relate to an MLB player. “Had to duck out of work a little early for an appointment. I’ve never related more to a Major League Baseball player.”
Had to duck out of work a little early for an appointment. I've never related more to a Major League Baseball player. https://t.co/VYaDdNa8Cg
— tony (@tonyarnoldine) March 18, 2025
“They’re just like us for real,” another said.
Still, MLB players are humans just like the rest of us. Maybe that was the only time that Peraza could schedule an appointment with the eye doctor; we have all been there.
Peraza Started Strong for the Yankees in the Spring
Peraza, who is just 24 years old, got off to a strong start this spring. At the start of March, he had a .400 batting average and had flashed his glove while helping his chances of making the Opening Day roster.
🎙️Oswald Peraza’s hit pushes him to .400 BA/.855 OPS as of today.
His solid defense plus DJLM’s health could give him a solid shot at making the team. #RepBx #Yankees pic.twitter.com/SQSOO4CJeb
— YankeesFarm (@YankeesFarm) March 2, 2025
Hoch recently organized a roster projection for the Yankees for the 2025 season, and he pegged him as a bench/utility player alongside Dom Smith.
“Peraza offers multi-position infield versatility, though his touted prospect status has not translated into production in the Majors, where he has hit just .216 (50-for-232) over parts of the past three seasons. He is out of options and would need to be exposed to waivers if not rostered,” Hoch wrote.
Peraza has a good chance of making the roster, although fans are going to remember the early exit for the appointment for some time.