New York Yankees’ baseman DJ LeMahieu marks his return from an injury-plagued 2022 season with a fantastic series win over the Philadephia Phillies.
The year 2022 would have become one of the strongest offensive seasons in DJ LeMahiue’s career had the injury shown a little mercy. In 125 game appearances, he hit .261 with 12 home runs, 74 earned runs, and 46 RBIs in total. However, a gruesome toe injury toward the postseason ended his season prematurely. While he returned for the last few games for the Yankees, he never looked comfortable.
Further, the New York Yankees baseman made the tough choice of ditching surgery and a trusted rehabilitation process. It looked like a risky move at that time, but DJ was highly confident and made it work. Now, in 2023, the same DJ LeMahieu, is back with the same energy, intensity, and the same hunger. Moreover, the early signs look highly promising, and we might just see the prime DJ back in action.
Yankees Monitoring DJ LeMahieu’s Workload To Avoid Injury Concerns
DJ LeMahiue’s absence heavily dented the New York Yankees’ odds of winning the championship last year. DJ made a desperate comeback toward the end by rushing his recovery. However, all efforts went in vain as the Yanks fell to Houston Astros in ALCS. Nonetheless, the baseman has left the past behind and will begin the 2023 season on a clean slate. He did well in the spring session and affirmed not feeling any discomfort in the injured foot. However, the Yankees are still watchful.
According to Yankees skipper Aaron Boone, DJ LeMahieu’s form this season has been highly encouraging. He’s got his old touchback. However, all things considered, the team still needs to look after his toe. They cannot risk him being placed on the injury list once again. Hence, the Bombers have decided to limit DJ’s game time, at least for the first half of the season. Since the infield is crowded, the team shouldn’t face any dilemma while placing replacements. DJ is on board with the workload management plan and will push harder to sustain his fitness this season.
LeMahieu Impresses Aaron Judge Despite 1-4 Loss To Phillies
The New York Yankees took on Philadephia Phillies on Tuesday for the second game of the series. DJ LeMahieu started at second base as usual. While the Yanks suffered a humiliating 1-4 loss, DJ emerged as the only silver lining. He drilled his first home run of the season and joined the club with Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres, and Anthony Rizzo.
Further, Captain Aaron Judge was a happy man as he enjoyed LeMahieu’s hits from the other end. An impressed Judge said watching DJ hit barrel after barrel from the other end is a treat to the eyes. He wants the baseman to continue his form all season long. So far, DJ’s hit .300 with five runs, six hits, one homer, and two RBIs in total. However, it remains to be seen if he can channel his old self this season, as the risk of any potential injury will always linger around his shoulders.