The New York Yankees are shaking up their roster as they prepare for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Recent developments include significant changes to their lineup and addressing injuries that have plagued some key players.
DJ LeMahieu Placed on Injured List
In a move that impacts the Yankees’ infield, DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list, dealing with a persistent right hip impingement. LeMahieu, who has already missed a substantial portion of the season due to a fracture in his right foot, has been struggling to find form, hitting just .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented on LeMahieu’s situation, saying, "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."
LeMahieu’s consistent struggles this season are a far cry from his previous season where he batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games. The Yankees will undoubtedly miss his veteran presence as they navigate this crucial stretch.
Jasson Domínguez Called Up
To fill the gap left by LeMahieu and bolster their lineup, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old phenom has been impressive in the minors, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three levels this season. Following his return from an oblique injury on June 15, Domínguez has been a standout, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Boone expressed his excitement about Domínguez joining the big league squad: "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."
Domínguez is set to make his major league debut in center field and will bat sixth in the lineup. Boone indicated that Domínguez will also see some time in left field as the team explores different options to maximize their lineup's potential.
Reflecting on the decision to call him up now, Boone added, "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."
Additional Roster Moves
In other roster moves, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in just one game for the Yankees this season, but he had a solid run in Triple-A with a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Meanwhile, Jon Berti has been activated from the injured list. Acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, Berti had missed 90 games due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, Berti was hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. His return adds depth to the Yankees' infield and provides Boone with additional flexibility.
Berti's injury saga began dramatically when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24. His journey back to the field has been long, but the Yankees are hopeful he can contribute down the stretch.
As the Yankees prepare for this crucial series against the Royals, the hope is that the fresh talent infused into the lineup will help propel them through the season’s critical juncture. Fans will be watching keenly as these moves play out on the field, hoping the changes bring the stability and success the team needs.