DJ LeMahieu reported to Yankees camp wholesome and desirous to show his doubters fallacious.
Just some weeks later, nonetheless, an MRI has revealed a Grade 1 or 2 calf pressure for the third baseman. The harm will sideline LeMahieu for not less than a pair weeks, in response to the New York Publish’s Greg Joyce, although the 36-year-old was ready to speak with workforce medical doctors to get an actual timeline.
LeMahieu injured his calf throughout his spring debut final Saturday.
Well being has been onerous to come back by for LeMahieu during the last a number of years. Amongst different points, he handled two vital foot accidents between 2022 and 2024. Final spring, he broke his foot on a foul ball in spring coaching. He returned to the lineup midseason, solely to endure the worst marketing campaign of his profession.
LeMahieu slashed .204/.269/.259 with seven extra-base hits, two dwelling runs, 26 RBI and a 52 wRC+ over 67 video games. A hip harm then ended his season in September.
“I definitely lost a lot of sleep,” LeMahieu mentioned in the beginning of camp when requested about his lack of availability. “It’s tough to be a guy that the team can’t rely on at times. I always take pride in that, so to not be able to do that, it’s definitely frustrating. But at the same time, I haven’t lost my passion for helping this team and my passion for this team. So that keeps me going.”
The plan was for LeMahieu to compete for the Yankees’ third base job, however his newest harm basically ensures he gained’t be prepared for the beginning of the season. That leaves Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza because the Yankees’ remaining choices on the scorching nook; the extra skilled Cabrera is taken into account the favourite for the job.
The Yankees may all the time discover exterior candidates, particularly when groups trim rosters on the finish of spring coaching. Both method, will probably be attention-grabbing to see how the membership handles LeMahieu each time he is able to return.
Along with battling accidents, the two-time batting champ has proven regular decline during the last 4 years; he has a 99 wRC+ over that span. He’s additionally owed $30 million over the following two seasons, so transferring on from the revered veteran could be a expensive determination for the Yankees to make.
