The New York Yankees were brutally dominated by the Cleveland Guardians in the series opener held on Tuesday. The 3-3 tied game entered into extra inning where the relief pitchers imploded followed by multiple defensive lapses. All these shortcomings contributed to Yanks 9-5 defeat.
Having said that, the New York Yankees infield situation, already marred by injuries, is getting worse, as visible in the 9-5 loss against the Guardians. Moreover, veteran third baseman DJ LeMahieu, who played first base for a change, was awful on the plate as well as in the dirt as his career-worst season hit a new low.
DJ LeMahieu’s Lousy Offense, Defense Dooms Yankees
DJ LeMahieu, once a consistent and reliable cornerstone for the New York Yankees, has seen his 2024 season spiral into the worst of his career. After a delayed debut due to a foot injury, the third baseman made 129 plate appearances without an extra-base hit. However, he eventually displayed signs of a breakthrough with a six-RBI night followed by a walk-off hit against the Orioles. Unfortunately, the short surge turned out to be a false hope as LeMahieu once again hit a slump. Entering Wednesday, DJ is hitting .189 with .512 OPS, the third lowest out of the 314 players that have logged 200-plus plate appearances this year. Not only that, but since July 10, LeMahieu has gone 13-for-78 in 29 games.
During the series opener against Cleveland Guardians, DJ LeMahieu went hitless in five at-bats to leave runners in scoring position on multiple occasions. Additionally, the third baseman messed up multiple plays at first base to allow an opening for Guardians to gain a lead. Meanwhile, Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged DJ’s rough stretch but counted the hit against Tigers at Williamsport a positive sign. “He’s had moments where he’s gotten it going a little bit, but it’s been tough,” Boone said in the post-game interview. However, with DJ LeMahieu earning $15 million at the age of 37, the New York Yankees have no choice but to support him in his grind. The skipper added that DJ is working his tail off behind the scenes with hitting coach James Rowson to turn things around in the final stretch of the season. Meaning the LeMahieu’s leash will be extended momentarily.
Jazz Chisholm’s Return Timeline Uncertain
Meanwhile, New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr, who was on a hot run since the mid-season trade materialised, was placed on 10-day IL following an elbow UCL injury sustained on August 12 against the White Sox. While Chisholm announced his return after the 10-day mandated rest, Aaron Boone poured cold water on Jazz’s ambitious plan.
In a podcast with Talkin Yanks, the New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone deemed Jazz Chisholm Jr’s statement ambitious. But appeared impressed with his recovery. That fact that Chisholm is feeling fine in such a short time is a massive sign of encouragement. Hence, by the early days of September, Jazz Chisholm is expected to take over third base duties for the remainder of the year.
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