The New York Yankees are making pivotal roster changes in anticipation of a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Key players are both being sidelined and returning, pointing to a significant shift in the team's lineup dynamics.
DJ LeMahieu Hits the Injured List
Diminutive yet significant to the Yankees' lineup, DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list, owing to a persistent right hip impingement. The infielder's struggles with the injury have been evident, as his performance at the plate has taken a noticeable hit this season. LeMahieu has hit just .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs over 67 games this year.
"It's been something that's been kind of lingering on him the last couple of weeks. He's been getting treatment on it. It's kind of better some days, worse the others," said Yankees manager Aaron Boone, shedding light on the challenges LeMahieu has faced.
Adding to LeMahieu's woes is the fact that he missed New York's first 55 games of the season due to a fracture in his right foot. Last season, LeMahieu turned in a more consistent performance, batting .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs over 136 games. The Yankees will miss his versatility and defensive prowess as they fight to maintain their standing in the league.
Jasson Domínguez Recalled to MLB
In a move that has fans buzzing, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old has demonstrated remarkable growth and potential, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs across three minor league levels this season. Domínguez, who had been sidelined by an oblique injury on June 15, made a strong return on July 26, posting a .309 average with seven homers and 25 RBIs since then.
Boone's admiration for Domínguez is clear. "I think you know my thoughts on him. I've been a huge fan ever since I met him. Just love his makeup, his talent and he's earned this opportunity," he stated. The young prospect will make his major league debut at center field and bat sixth, with plans for him to also spend some time in left field.
Reflecting on the decision to recall Domínguez, Boone mentioned, "Like I said on Sept. 1 when we didn't initially recall Jasson, he's in the conversation every single day. I think as much as anything, it's just continuing to build the momentum he's built here over the last few weeks, where we feel like, especially the last couple of weeks, really starting to be in the peak of the season and play at a high level."
Changes in the Bullpen: Misiewicz and Berti
Further changes in the Yankees' roster include the designation of reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz's tenure with the Yankees has been brief, appearing in just one game this season. Nonetheless, he held a 3-2 record and a solid 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
On a more positive note, the Yankees have activated Jon Berti from the injured list after a prolonged absence. Berti missed 90 games due to a left calf strain, an injury that saw him collapse in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24. Prior to his injury, Berti had been showing promising form, batting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. Acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, Berti's return adds a layer of depth to the Yankees' roster as they aim to surge forward.
As the Yankees prepare for their upcoming series against the Royals, these roster adjustments highlight both the opportunities and challenges the team faces. The balance between leveraging emerging talent like Domínguez and navigating the setbacks of veteran players such as LeMahieu will be crucial in determining their success.