New York Yankees are set to welcome back veteran third baseman DJ LeMahieu into the roster in the upcoming series against Los Angeles Angels. DJ is yet to make his debut this year as a foot injury incurred in spring has led to a prolonged absence for LeMahieu.
Regardless, DJ LeMahieu is perfectly fine and is set to make his season debut this week. While DJ will directly transform into an everyday third baseman role, his position in the hitting lineup is still uncertain, with Anthony Volpe smashing records as a leadoff hitter. So, how does DJ fit into the power-packed lineup?
DJ LeMahieu Loses Leadoff Spot To Anthony Volpe!
New York Yankees promising shortstop Anthony Volpe, who arrived in MLB with heavy expectations in 2023, is now bearing the fruits of his hard work. Often compared to legend Derek Jeter, Volpe matched his idol’s record recently by extending his hitting streak to 19 games, which is the longest since Jeter achieved it in 2012. This resurgence is a ripple effect of Volpe’s promotion to the leadoff spot. Since batting first, Volpe has a .355 on-base percentage in 43 games. Hence, manager Aaron Boone has decided that Volpe will remain the Yank’s leadoff hitter for the foreseeable future, meaning DJ LeMahieu will be pushed down the order upon return this week. However, things are easier said than done, as Yanks have been playing with a fixed lineup.
There is absolutely no space in the top four as Anthony Volpe, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Alex Verdugo will retain their spot. Even Giancarlo Stanton seems likely to retain his spot as 5th hitter. That leaves DJ LeMahieu with the 6th and 7th spots. Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres have been the only weak hitters in the lineup, and hence, DJ can likely take up 6th place as he will attain the cushion of Stanton, who has been in sublime form this season. Additionally, Austin Wells is likely to start in the series opener, and he will continue to bat at no.9. While Boone’s options are limited, he can simply not mess with the winning lineup. Changing orders can lead to mishaps, which Yankees would want to avoid at any cost.
Yankees Potential Lineup After DJ LeMahieu’s Addition
Anthony Volpe (SS), Juan Soto (RF), Aaron Judge (CF), Alex Verdugo (LF), Giancarlo Stanton (DH), DJ LeMahieu (3B), Anthony Rizzo (1B), Gleyber Torres (2B), Austin Wells (C)
DJ LeMahieu Ready And Confident Of Yankees Return
Veteran third baseman DJ LeMahieu will make his season debut for the New York Yankees this week after a prolonged injury layoff. A foot injury and rehab setback kept him out for 12 weeks. But he is finally ready physically and confident mentally to return.
“I’m ready and confident in everything, and definitely accomplished,” DJ LeMahieu said ahead of his much-anticipated return. With Jon Berti on IL, LeMahieu will replace him as a regular third baseman, thus pushing utility player Oswaldo Cabrera into a bench role. The Yankees-Angels series opener will take place on May 28 in Anaheim.
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