The New York Yankees offense has been nuclear this season courtesy to big names rediscovering their lost form. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have found their way back to their dominant self whereas generational star Juan Soto has perfectly lived up to the pre-season hype.
As a result, the New York Yankees continue to lead AL-East with 37-19 record. That being said, manager Aaron Boone was forced to alter the hitting lineup for the series opener against LA Angeles due to return of veteran third baseman DJ LeMahieu. However, DJ’s hitting position in the lineup stunned fans and analyst alike.
DJ LeMahieu Penciled At No.9 In Yankees Hitting Lineup On Debut
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone had high hopes for veteran third baseman DJ LeMahieu pre-season. He penciled him as a regular leadoff hitter before a foot injury sidelined DJ for two months. The infielder also faced a setback in his first rehab stint as a relapse of swelling cost LeMahieu an additional two weeks to recover. However, at last, he was able to recover fully and was reinstated from IL on Tuesday as the Yanks faced the Angels in Anaheim. However, DJ’s slotting in the lineup left many fans stunned and amazed. Boone had penciled LeMahieu at no.9 in the hitting lineup, which is a massive downgrade from his original leadoff spot. However, Boone revealed that the veteran is a complete team player and had no problems whatsoever with getting pushed down to no.9.
“The unselfishness to completely not make it about him, which wasn’t surprising, is who he is,” Boone said. Notably, DJ LeMahieu said that he is in awe of the Yankees’ offense this season. And he just wants to be a part of the lineup irrespective of the position. Interestingly, LeMahieu’s demotion was a ripple effect of Anthony Volpe‘s explosion at the top. As a leadoff hitter, Volpe’s on-base percentage soared over .350 in over 40 games, which propelled Boone to retain the kid in the slot. He had confirmed pre-game that Volpe wouldn’t be moved from the leadoff position after LeMahieu’s return, and that’s exactly how things panned out. Regardless, DJ’s positioning at this low in the lineup surely caught the fans by surprise as Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres have been equally unsatisfying at no.6 and no.7. “I plan on [him], if nothing else, being regular,” said Boone.
Kevin Smith Released Amid DJ LeMahieu’s Return
In a corresponding move after reinstating DJ LeMahieu from IL, infielder Kevin Smith accepted outright assignment and elected free agency. Smith had joined a minor league contract with Yankees this off-season. However, due to lack of opportunities, he chose to end his association with the franchise and enter free agent market.
In another additional roster move, the New York Yankees reinstated Ian Hamilton from 7-day COVID-19 IL. Notably, Ian’s return was delayed by a day as the team had an off day, and Aaron Boone chose not to rush Hamilton unnecessarily. Fortunately, no virus outbreak was reported in the camp, as Hamilton’s case seemed a one-off incident.
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