DJ LeMahieu’s importance to the New York Yankees cannot be overstated. He has remained a strong presence in the lineup, providing a reliable bat and exceptional defensive skills. In 2020, LeMahieu won the American League batting title, showcasing his ability to hit for a high batting average consistently. However, his form this season has stayed largely on the downward trend.
LeMahieu returned to the Yankees lineup following a gruesome toe injury that ended his 2022 season prematurely. The Yankees paid a hefty price for DJ’s injury as their formidable offense collapsed in the postseason, which eventually led to their ouster in the ALCS. Hence, when the baseman returned this year, the Yankees were overjoyed. However, his happiness was short-lived as LeMahieu encountered a serious slump.
DJ LeMahieu Ends Dry Run Spell By Hitting A Home Run Against Padres
New York Yankees infielder, DJ LeMahieu, known for his versatility and consistent performance, has been a key contributor to the team’s offense in recent years. However, he has faced struggles and a notable slump at the start of this season, making his resurgence crucial for the Yankees’ overall performance. The baseman’s overall average has dropped to an all-time career low as he struggles to make ball connections. Further, DJ squashed the rumors of his toe injury flaring up, which was considered to be a major contributor to the baseman’s slump. However, he confirmed that he was fine physically. The baseman needed to correct his approach to achieve success on the plate, and he did just that against the San Diego Padres.
DJ LeMahieu vowed a comeback and lived up to his word. During the second game against the Padres, LeMahieu slammed a home run and drove a double to help the Yankees seal the game by 3-2. DJ’s return remains vital for the Yankees’ success this season. When healthy, the baseman remains the most fearful hitter on the plate. When LeMahieu is performing well, it takes the pressure off other players and allows them to focus on their own roles within the lineup. His ability to get on base and move runners into scoring positions is essential for the team’s run-scoring opportunities. Hence, the infielder’s recent form resurgence remains a good omen for the Bronx Bombers as they march towards the much-awaited World Series trophy.
LeMahieu’s Failed Bunt Attempt Leaves The Fans Baffled
Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu had a brain fade moment a week ago. During a match-up against the Baltimore Orioles, DJ arrived at the plate with runners on the corners. The Yankees had a perfect opportunity to put up a run and level the scores. However, the baseman ended up blowing it away completely. He made a bunt play which landed in the infield. The fielder grabbed the ball and tagged out Gleyber Torres, who was running to get to home base.
DJ spoke about his decision to bunt, per @BrendanKutyNJ pic.twitter.com/sLUe6iTXUz
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 24, 2023
That marked the end of the inning, and the Yankees landed in hot waters. Fortunately, the captain, Aaron Judge, jumped into rescue in the nick of the hour. Regardless, DJ’s indecisive strategy baffled the fans who trolled him on social media. They stood in disbelief and urged the team to bench DJ LeMahieu for the next game. While the baseman did issue an explanation stating that he thought it was a safe play. His plan stayed right, but the execution could have been a little better. Still, the fans remain unimpressed.
Please don't do that again.
— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) May 24, 2023
I understand that DJ hits a lot of grounders but I'd rather rely on him making contact opposed to bunting in that situation. https://t.co/6U8vmM9mFr
brother is mentally cooked give him an off day https://t.co/0Olbr7N2EE
— hoodierob.csv (@good4robb) May 24, 2023
DJ LeMahieu should be benched indefinitely https://t.co/17CivoTQkz
— Lucas Luetge Resurgence Bandwagon (@LucasLuetgeRBW) May 24, 2023
The fact that DJ feels the need to bunt to avoid grounding into a double play should be enough for him to change his approach at the plate https://t.co/9ZBESrdh3y
— Barry (Aaron Judge enjoyer) (@YanksBar) May 24, 2023
