DJ LeMahieu scared the New York Yankees and their fans in spring training. Initially, Aaron Boone was planning to use him as their leadoff hitter. But then the oldest member of the 40-man roster fractured his right foot. It was a non-displaced fracture. As a result, the team had to put him on the 60-day Injured List. Last year has been one of the darkest phases of the NY side in recent times. They have not been able to make the postseason for the first time since 2016. Moreover, they had to deal with many injury issues, especially with key players like Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo.
That’s not something the Yankees would like to repeat this year. However, in spring training, two key players -DJ LeMahieu and Gerrit Cole got their names on the 60-day IL. On top of that, Aaron Judge had an abs injury that caused him to miss a few Grapefruit League games. Clearly, those were not good signs right before the current regular season. Nevertheless, the Yankees proved all the doubters wrong. They are on a roll this season. Lately, though there are reports that suggest DJ LeMahieu will be back soon in the Yankees lineup.
DJ LeMahieu All Set For His 2024 Season Debut
It has been two months since DJ and Gerrit Cole have been out of the lineup. However, the team has done pretty well without Cole and DJ so far. But now, these veteran players are looking to come back to the lineup. First of all, DJ LeMahieu had a few rehab assignments, and he did well. He is feeling better at present. After finishing his rehab assignment, the veteran infielder flew West on Sunday. The 35-year-old third baseman expects the team to activate him off the 60-day IL on Tuesday. Then, DJ LeMahieu can make his season debut in the series facing off against the Los Angeles Angels. On March 16, DJ fouled a ball off his right foot that caused the non-displaced fracture.
Later, on April 23, the veteran infielder had his first rehab assignment. It did not last long as it was just for one inning. Then, he pulled himself owing to right foot soreness. But the second rehab assignment went really smoothly for the 35-year-old Yankee playing in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Now, the question might come up that who he will replace in the Yankees lineup. Anthony Volpe has been magnificent as the leadoff hitter so far. Then, Oswaldo Cabrera has been doing a good job in the infield. Perhaps, the Yankees skipper has made plans about whose place DJ will take.
Yankees Manager Gives An Update On DJ’s Return To The Lineup
According to Greg Joyce of The New York Post, Aaron Boone said that DJ LeMahieu will be their starting third baseman. He will replace Oswaldo Cabrera and Jon Berti (presently injured). Cabrera has been pretty solid as the third baseman over the last two months. As per Joyce, the Yankees would like to ease DJ into full-time action. Most importantly, DJ should help the Bronx Bombers have a deep batting order.
Moreover, DJ LeMahieu can also allow Anthony Rizzo to have some rest days, especially at first base. Lately, the veteran Rizzo has played 54 of 55 games in the ongoing season. Gleyber Torres has also played 53 of 55 games. DJ can give him a sporadic breather at second base.
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