The Yankees are about to get some infield relief and hopefully another lethal bat in the lineup as DJ LeMahieu makes his official 2024 debut after three misstarts. LeMahieu came to spring training and played in games up until he took a foul ball off his foot on March 16th. Then LeMahieu began his first rehab attempt on April 23rd, only to pull back after one inning when he still experienced soreness. After some games with the Rail Riders, where things went a lot smoother, DJ LeMahieu made his way to Anaheim to join his team. Finally, on May 28th, DJ is back. Yes, the season starts today for DJ LeMahieu. And I am rooting for him.
"Manager Aaron Boone has said LeMahieu will be the Yankees’ starting third baseman, taking over for Oswaldo Cabrera (and the now-injured Jon Berti), who did a solid job filling in over the first two months of the season. The Yankees will still likely ease LeMahieu back into full-time action, but his arrival should make the Yankees’ lineup even deeper as he slots into the seven- or eight-hole," reported The New York Post.
I think Boone is aspirational if he thinks LeMahieu will be able to take over for Oswaldo Cabrera who has been absolutely stellar on the hot corner for the Yankees. Cabrera has also played some first base and filled in for Gleyber Torres who quite frankly could take a seat ahead of Cabrera in my mind.
"Torres’ defense remains polarizing — he makes some terrific plays but also has seven errors, including a crucial one Sunday that turned into a four-run inning in the 5-2 loss to the Padres. “After every error, you have to clean it up,” Torres said. “It’s a long season,” reported The Post.
I see LeMahieu, if he can get himself going and stay consistently healthy, playing more second base and giving Anthony Rizzo some days off at first base. To make the decision to replace Cabrera at third base without any data to support that is to me, ridiculous. And certainly, he should not displace Anthony Volpe as the leadoff batter with Volpe batting over .300 with a hitting streak. Although I don't think that is even on the table.
Best case scenario, LeMahieu kicks off his three-game series with multiple hits and impactful defense complimenting the Yankees already strong lineup. Worst case scenario, the Yankees rethink how they will use LeMahieu and keep playing the players who have been contributing to this Yankee "dawg" momentum. But for now, it's opening day for LeMahieu- wishing him luck and hoping for the best!
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--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof
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