The New York Yankees have been missing DJ LeMahieu in their rotation since the Opening Day. However, the team has been on a hot streak. They have been playing really well, even without two key members of the roster. Other than the veteran infielder, they also missed their ace starting pitcher. Gerrit Cole suffered a nerve inflammation in his right elbow during the spring training. As a result, he had to miss a lot of Grapefruit League games. Later, the team doctors revealed that the ace pitcher is on the 60-day Injured List. But that was clearly not the end of injury concerns for the Yankees.
Later, the oldest member in the 40-man roster sustained a (non-displaced) fracture in his right foot right before the Opening Day. Clearly, injuries were not a great sign right before the regular season. Moreover, last year saw the team failing to make the postseason because there were just too many injuries to deal with, especially to key players. That’s something the Yankees did not want to repeat in 2024. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers showed a lot of determination to have a great start to the season and hold on to it. Lately, news came in that DJ LeMahieu is getting ready for his return to the lineup.
DJ LeMahieu Is All Set For Yankees Return, Following Second Successful Rehab Game
The Bronx Bombers are about to get reinforcements at third base as the oldest member in the roster is likely to return soon. Recently, DJ LeMahieu played for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to finish his second rehab game. In two AAA games, DJ had six at-bats. During these two appearances, the veteran infielder walked twice. Later, in the post-game interview, the 35-year-old Yankee talked about how soon he could return to the MLB rotation. DJ LeMahieu mentioned after the RailRiders game that he always want to get hits and play his position. However, DJ added that it is all about making sure that he is ready physically.
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If he can ensure his physical fitness, the veteran infielder feels that he can be confident in everything, especially about accomplishing his mission. It seems the 35-year-old Yankee is happy about getting some much-needed fielding reps in the minor league. Moreover, it would do his confidence a whole lot good before he returns to the Yankees. As per reports from last week, Aaron Boone mentioned that they expect the everyday third baseman to return to the lineup on May 28. On Tuesday, the Yankees will face off against the Los Angeles Angels in an away game.
What Will Be DJ’s New Batting Position As Anthony Volpe Has Taken The Leadoff Spot?
According to the Yankees manager, DJ LeMahieu will play again at the hot corner. He will take over the roles of Oswaldo Cabrera and Jon Berti. The Yankees might even give DJ some off days to work him up initially. But once the veteran infielder gets settled, he will be their everyday third baseman. Before the 2024 season started, Aaron Boone had said that LeMahieu would be their leadoff hitter. But then, owing to his injury, Gleyber Torres got that leadoff spot.
Then, Anthony Volpe replaced him because Torres went through an early season slump. Moreover, the 23-year-old new shortstop has cemented his place at the leadoff spot. Now, fans and experts believe it will be hard for DJ to replace Volpe, given how the latter has been hitting this season. The new shortstop is hitting .282. Hence, DJ LeMahieu will likely replace Alex Verdugo at the cleanup spot.
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