As the opening day is coming nearer, the Yankees are getting more prepared in order to have the best rotations this year. However, the injuries of some of the players remained a matter of concern. They were in doubt if they needed to be replaced or if the healing would pave the way. With DJ LeMahieu’s injury, the dispel of Josh Donaldson was on focus. DJ went through surgery for his foot damage. He was on rest and rehab for so long, and now that he is totally fine and fit for playing in the 2023 MLB season, Yankees fans are just wishing to see him taking reps at third base.
There are many other plans too that the Yankees are making. But it depends on the trade market deadline. They are probably looking forward to moving Gleyber Torres for a pitcher through trading. But as so far, no proper trade partner is available. The Yankees will feature him in the Opening Day starter as second base, as it seems. However, at present, the very good news for Yanks fans is that LeMahieu is finally practicing fielding. In a video shared by Yankees insider Bryan Hotch, fans can see LM fielding the grounders at third base along with Gleyber Torres, who fielded at second base. Both the layers were practicing well, also doing some battling.
DJ LeMahieu taking grounders at 3B today. Gleyber Torres is at 2B. Thanks to @MarcNYY618 for the 🎥! #Yankees pic.twitter.com/AUc8pWh5ZD
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) January 19, 2023
Yankees Needs To Overcome Their Old Philosophy of Neglecting The Aging Player’s Subject
It was indeed fans’ dream to watch DJLM making reps at third base. And, as a matter of luck, he is already doing it. It has been three years since when LeMahieu posted 1 171.2 innings with four good defensive runs saved and eight outs above average. However, in the last season, he was no less. LM got the Gold Glove in the n League history in 2022 for making the innings netted 7 DRS and 4 OAA.
LeMahieu was injured on his foot most of the time in the season, yet he managed to outscore Josh Donaldson. The Yankees have got to deal with Donaldson, or they can hope to see him coming back stronger. However, things do not work based on what one hopes. So it is necessary for the Yankees to learn that aging players need to be replaced. This year, the Yankees did a great job in terms of making their rotations best. But still, if they will tend to follow the culture of keeping the aging ones, it will be hard for them to win the championship.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has claimed that this time the team has made the best rosters so far. But still, they are in need of left outfielders. The one arrow targeted Bryan Reynolds did not work, and the deadline was on the door. Yankees must have tried their best to have all the perfect players, but if they see it deep, they still have gotta lot of work to do.