DJ LeMahieu, known for his offensive consistency, has been a linchpin in the New York Yankees’ lineup since joining the team in 2019. Besides an injury-riddled season in 2019, the veteran has been the team’s consistent performer at third base. However, this year, DJ could miss time due to a foot injury.
DJ LeMahieu sustained a foot injury after getting hit on a foul ball in a spring game earlier this year. While scans are clear, the veteran infielder is dealing with soreness. Meanwhile, in case of a scenario where LeMahieu ends up on the injury list, let’s explore in-house fallback options the Yankees could seek for opening day.
Oswaldo Cabrera Immediate Replacement For DJ LeMahieu At Third Base
DJ LeMahieu’s foot injury has thrown a wrench into the New York Yankees’ opening day plans, forcing them to reassess their options at third base and on the bench. While Aaron Boone expects DJ to be fit, addressing depth issues is still a priority for the Bronx Bombers. That being said, the immediate in-house replacement for LeMahieu is utility player Oswaldo Cabera. Oswaldo, known for his versatility and athleticism, has primarily played second base and shortstop in minor leagues. While his 2023 season stats were underwhelming, his versatility is still a big asset to the team. The utility man is still young and needs a chance to prove himself against top-tier competition and earn his place as a valuable asset for the team moving forward.
A big upset for the New York Yankees is Oswald Peraza’s unavailability. The highly touted prospect injured his shoulder this spring and has been ruled out for 6-8 weeks. Meanwhile, Kevin Smith and Jahmai Jones are another couple of options for the Yanks to secure their bench for the impending season. Ultimately, the Bombers find themselves at a crossroads as they navigate DJ LeMahieu’s injury and its implications for their lineup and roster construction. With LeMahieu’s status uncertain, the team must explore all available options to field a formidable lineup capable of on opening day. Whether through internal reshuffling, external acquisitions, or promotions from within the minor league system, the Yankees must act decisively to address their third base situation before opening day vs Astros approaches.
Yankees Skipper Confident Of DJ LeMahieu’s Participation On Opening Day
Meanwhile, New York Yankees skipper Aaron Boone shared a positive update on DJ LeMahieu’s foot injury. While talking to Takin Yanks podcasters, Boone said he is not in any hurry to put DJ on the injury list. The veteran infielder’s X-ray scans are clean. And if it were not for the soreness, LeMahieu would be playing spring games already.
Having said that, Aaron Boone is confident that DJ LeMahieu will make it to the opening-day lineup fully healthy. The soreness in the foot has already started to subside. And with opening day just days away, Boone is taking a cautious approach. Perhaps DJ could feature in a final couple of spring games and directly feature in the opening day from then on.
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