Yankees

Akshita Patel

Top Yankees Hitters Set To Make Spring Training On Wednesday! But Why Are They Making Late-Entry?

The New York Yankees will field their best set of hitters against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.

The Yankees’ spring training campaign is right on track after three consecutive wins. After losing the opening game to Phillies, the Yankees made a startling comeback and won three back-to-back games against the Braves, Blue Jays, and Tigers. Today, they will face the Tampa Bay rays in an away game at Champion Stadium. However, a few regular players are likely to miss the action.

   

The Yankees so far have fielded a young set of players in all the spring training games. While the youngsters brought in a good omen for the Bombers, the fans are puzzled as most of the regular players are missing from the squad. However, the latest update from an MLB insider states that top hitters will miss today’s game against the Rays and will directly debut on Wednesday.

Top Hitters To Be In The Mix For The Game Against Nationals On Wednesday

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Aug 15, 2020; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu (26) talks with manager Aaron Boone, right, and teammates after injuring his finger in a prior at bat during the bottom of the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees have delayed spring game action for Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu, and Anthony Rizzo. All three hitters have been missing in action since the beginning of the Grapefruit League. While the fans expected the trio to feature in today’s game, an MLB insider suggests otherwise. According to Bryan Hoch, Stanton, DJ, and Rizzo will make their spring training debut on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals. The decision to delay these hitters’ debut was a strategic one taken by the top brass.

According to New York Yankees skipper Aaron Boone, the management is looking to move cautiously with as many as 30 regular and injury-prone players. All three players have dealt with various injuries in the past, and the Yankees want to ensure that they are fully healthy before they take the field in game action. Stanton, in particular, had a calf injury, and the team wants to be cautious with him to avoid any setbacks. Similarly, DJ LeMahieu suffered from a toe injury that prematurely ended his last season. Further, Rizzo is dealing with recurring back aches as well.

Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu To Play Second Base On Wednesday

DJ LeMahieu
Jun 25, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu (26) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Yankees star baseman, DJ LeMahieu, is fit this season after suffering from a toe injury in 2022. Moreover, he decided to avoid surgery and hence ended his season mid-way. However, this year, the baseman intends to stay healthy for the whole season. Meanwhile, DJ is all set to make his spring training debut on Wednesday for the Yankees.

Skipper Aaron Boone provided details on his positioning. He said DJ LeMahieu would start at second base on Wednesday. Further, they will monitor his progress and later experiment in the first and third base as well. LeMahieu’s versatility has been a critical asset for the Yankees, and the team is looking to take advantage of it even more, this MLB season. By working him in multiple positions during spring training, the New York Yankees can give him more opportunities to get comfortable in those positions.