Yankees supervisor Aaron Boone offered reporters, together with Greg Joyce of The New York Post, with an replace at present concerning DJ LeMahieu. The infielder fouled a ball off his proper foot just lately and Boone says LeMahieu has a “fairly vital” bone bruise and gained’t be taking part in by way of it in the intervening time. With Opening Day now simply over per week away, it’s unclear if LeMahieu will probably be prepared in time.
LeMahieu, 35, is coming off a irritating season. He didn’t go on the injured checklist final yr however did battle by way of quad and calf soreness whereas hitting .243/.327/.390 for a wRC+ of 101. Simply over a month in the past, Boone was enthusiastic about LeMahieu’s improved well being on the opening of camp. “He’s simply extra explosive to me,” Boone mentioned, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Sadly, there now could also be a snag in seeing that explosiveness within the common season.
Even when LeMahieu misses some early time within the season, it might not be a lot. Opening Day injured checklist stints may be backdated by three days, so he would possibly solely miss per week if he’s placed on the 10-day IL. It’s nonetheless a state of affairs price monitoring because it may depart them with a short lived gap at third base.
LeMahieu is slated to be the membership’s on a regular basis choice on the sizzling nook, with Anthony Volpe, Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo filling out the remainder of the infield. The membership was trying to bolster its veteran infield depth, having just lately been linked to gamers like Enrique Hernández and Amed Rosario, although these gamers have now signed with the Dodgers and Rays, respectively.
The plan with signing both of these two would have concerned Oswald Peraza getting optioned to the minors for normal reps, able to be recalled for extra common taking part in time if an damage occurred. That gained’t be an choice now as Peraza himself acquired injured by struggling a shoulder strain that may shut him down for six to eight weeks.
Because it presently stands, the Yanks have Oswaldo Cabrera, Jahmai Jones and Jorbit Vivas as depth infielders on their roster. Cabrera had an thrilling debut in 2022 however hit simply .211/.275/.299 final yr. Jones was simply claimed off waivers three weeks in the past whereas Vivas has not but made his main league debut and was optioned to Triple-A after at present’s sport. Gamers like Josh VanMeter, Jeter Downs and Kevin Smith are in camp as non-roster invitees although every of them has struggled in opposition to massive league pitching.
The tip of Spring Coaching often shakes just a few gamers free, as roster selections are made across the league. As an example, veteran infielder Josh Harrison simply opted out of his minor league take care of the Reds after being knowledgeable he wasn’t going to make the workforce. The Yankees may flip to Harrison or another participant within the coming days in the event that they really feel they want an additional physique to cowl for a LeMahieu absence.
Infielders like Donovan Solano and Evan Longoria stay unsigned. The Yankees are going through a 110% tax on any addition to their payroll at this level, as a third-time payor that’s over the fourth line of the aggressive steadiness tax, however these guys gained’t require big sums to place pen to paper. The place participant market has seemingly collapsed in latest weeks, with gamers like Hernández, Rosario, Gio Urshela and others signing for lower than $5MM in assured cash.
Finally, the larger concern is likely to be the season-long efficiency, versus any week-long absence. The 2023 Yankees have been hampered by well being issues, as Aaron Judge was solely capable of play 106 video games as a consequence of IL stints whereas veterans like LeMahieu, Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo struggled whereas coping with varied illnesses.
Well being is already within the highlight for the Yanks as ace Gerrit Cole is ready to overlook vital time as a consequence of an elbow problem. Even earlier than that state of affairs cropped up, they knew they have been going to wish some bounceback campaigns from these veterans. They may due to this fact wish to be certain LeMahieu is as wholesome and productive as potential, which is probably why Boone is now suggesting he gained’t be taking part in by way of this problem. The membership might must look to alternate options at third base till LeMahieu is again to being explosive once more.
