The New York Yankees are trying to get the best out of DJ LeMahieu, the oldest player on their roster. This year, the veteran infielder has faced severe injury issues. Since the spring training, he was on the 60-day Injured List as he had a fractured right foot. Along with the ace pitcher Gerrit Cole, the NY side missed their oldest player on the roster due to severe injuries. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers are way too familiar with injury issues, even more than they want to be. After all, what happened last year, as the majority of their star players were on the IL, makes the fans even more wary of new injury news.
The Yankees would like to avoid so many injuries this year to maintain their good form. They have been enjoying a pretty good season this year. Moreover, they are a favorite to reach the World Series in 2024. If top players stay healthy, they can do it for sure. There are still more than 30 games to go before the playoffs begin. Lately, the Yankees have taken a precaution regarding DJ LeMahieu as they removed him from the lineup against the Colorado Rockies.
Yankees Removed DJ LeMahieu Owing To A Facial Injury During Batting Practice
The oldest player on the Yankees roster can’t seem to escape injuries this year as it seems. On Friday evening, before the start of the series opener against the Colorado Rockies, the NY side removed the veteran infielder. It was a precautionary measure, as they took him out minutes before they threw the first pitch. DJ LeMahieu was going to bat ninth and play first base. However, reports came in showing that during the pregame warmup session, he suffered a knock on his face. As per reports, the veteran infielder suffered a blow to the right side of his face. While taking BP, a throw hit him in the face. Later, the Yankees training staff spotted DJ holding his jaw and then tended to his injury in the dugout. Later, they escorted DJ LeMahieu to the clubhouse.
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Subsequently, Ben Rice took his place at first base. So far, 2024 has been the worst season of DJ’s 14-year-long career. Things have been getting worse for LeMahieu with this latest blow. After spending a long time on the IL this year, he joined the team in May. Since then, he slashed .189/.263/.249 with two homers and 45 OPS+ over 62 games only. Previously, the plan was that DJ would return on Friday after he stayed out of the lineup in the last two games. On Tuesday, during his previous outing, the veteran infielder went 0-5 and didn’t even get on base. Moreover, on multiple occasions, he stranded runners in scoring position.
The Bronx Bombers Have Plenty Of Options, Including Jazz Chisholm Jr. And Ben Rice
Albeit, the facial injury of the oldest player on the roster is scary for the Yankees, they do have plenty of options. Aaron Boone shifted DJ LeMahieu to first base after he gave Jazz Chisholm Jr. duties at third base. Since his arrival, the former Miami Marlins outfielder has been playing at third base wearing the pinstripe uniform. On Friday, he returned to the lineup after a stint on the 10-day Injured List. Hence, the Yankees can assign utility infielder Oswaldo Cabrera temporarily to first base.
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Moreover, they can also bring back Oswaldo Peraza if the oldest player on the roster takes too long to return. Earlier this week, the NY side had optioned Peraza out to Triple-A. Hence, at present, Ben Rice, the rookie first baseman will continue playing at that position. Things might change when Anthony Rizzo will complete his rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset (Patriots).
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