The New York Yankees are pumped ahead of the 2024 MLB season. The roster was assembled for the spring training session last week, and every player looked in great spirits. Moreover, last season’s injured players also showed promising signs. And practiced without any limitations.
That being said, the Yankees participated in a season-first live BP session hosted by Yankee management. Aaron Judge stole the show, whereas Juan Soto struggled against Nestor Cortes. Meanwhile, another key veteran infielder, without enough question marks on his form, rocked the BP session by taking on none other than ace pitcher Gerrit Cole.
DJ LeMahieu Starts Strong Vs. Gerrit Cole In Season First Live BP Session
New York Yankees’ potential leadoff hitter DJ LeMahieu stepped onto the plate for the first time this season on Wednesday. In his first live batting practice session, LeMahieu faced none other than the reigning AL CY Young pitcher Gerrit Cole. However, despite the steep challenge, the veteran third baseman exceeded expectations. He hit a pair of line drives off Cole’s sharp curveballs. Regardless, DJ’s resilience ceased to exist as Cole sought redemption with a strikeout in the third matchup. That being said, DJ LeMahieu’s strong start has reignited hopes of a potential turnaround in the Yankee coaching staff. The veteran infielder, who has been the team’s leadoff hitter for the longest time, slumped to an all-time career low last year.
Notably, DJ LeMahieu has been floated as New York Yankees preferred candidate for the leadoff spot. Aaron Boone, the skipper, confirmed the same during the latest interview with Foul Territory. Boone added that if DJ handles the leadoff slot, the rest of the hitting lineup is formidable enough to cause destruction. However, in case LeMahieu’s struggles persist, Boone is open to looking out to Alex Verdugo for an alternative. Overall, as the season progresses, DJ LeMahieu seems in the endgame. He is aging, and another bad season could end his stay in the Bronx. Having said that, after multiple live sessions, the Bronx Bombers would kick off the grapefruit league from Saturday onwards. They are scheduled to face Detroit Tigers for the league opener, followed by Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies in the Sunday doubleheader.
Juan Soto’s Three Strikeouts Vs. Nestor Cortes Highlight Of Yankees BP Session
In an interesting turn of events, Juan Soto was struck out thrice by Nestor Cortes in his first live BP session with the New York Yankees. Soto seemed out of touch. However, the pitcher vouched for his teammate, saying the slugger would need some time to settle in. “It’s too early for him to be out there,” Cortes said. However, for Cortes, it was an encouraging sign.
The pitcher is coming off a gruesome rotator cuff strain injury. And in his very first outing, Cortes spent extended time on the mound. On the other hand, Juan Soto is slowly getting into his groove. He slammed a towering hit over the center field wall on the next day to announce his arrival in style. As Grapefruit League kicks off on Saturday, the Yankees seem in good shape.
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