Look, I love DJ LeMahieu. I really do. The guy has been a steady, professional hitter since the day he arrived in pinstripes, and there’s something comforting about watching him grind out a tough at-bat or vacuum up ground balls like it's second nature. But even I have to admit… it’s starting to feel like Father Time might be tapping him on the shoulder.
As of now, we’re sitting in that weird in-between zone with DJ’s rehab. Back on April 7, there was some optimism. Word was, a rehab assignment might be right around the corner. But instead of heading into minor league games, LeMahieu has stayed behind at the Yankees’ complex, taking controlled at-bats, trying to find his timing in a quieter, more structured setting. Boone described the plan as "a pretty big buildup"—think spring training 2.0.
And to be fair, there’s no rush. Oswaldo Cabrera has been more than serviceable at third base, bringing energy and versatility to the lineup. With the team holding strong and a marathon of a season still ahead, why push DJ back before he’s ready?
The Yankees are playing this smart. They want LeMahieu to ramp up fully—get his legs under him, get that timing down, and return as a true contributor, not a question mark. Given that his injury happened so early in March, they’re treating this like a reset button.
If he can come back healthy and dialed in, LeMahieu’s bat and glove still matter. He brings depth, flexibility, and a calming presence to a roster that’s gunning for October. But the clock is ticking louder now. And even as someone who’s rooted for him every step of the way, I have to wonder: are we watching the beginning of the end? Or is DJ gearing up for one last classic stretch run?
Either way, he’s earned the right to take his time. And we’ll be watching—hopefully with a little vintage DJ magic waiting on the other side.
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