As the New York Yankees gear up for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium, significant roster movements are reshaping the team's lineup. The Yankees announced that infielder DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list owing to a persistent right hip impingement.
LeMahieu's Hip Woes Continue
DJ LeMahieu's ongoing hip issue has been a source of concern for the Yankees. The dependable infielder, who has been receiving treatment for the injury, has seen inconsistent performances this season. "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," said Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
LeMahieu's performance has visibly been impacted, as he hit a mere .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games this season. Notably, he missed the first 55 games of the season due to a fracture in his right foot. Comparatively, last season, LeMahieu batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games.
Jasson Domínguez Gets the Call
In response to LeMahieu's injury, the Yankees have turned to one of their top prospects, Jasson Domínguez. The 20-year-old outfielder has been exceptional in the minor leagues, boasting a batting average of .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs across three minor league levels this season.
Domínguez's journey hasn't been without its hurdles. He suffered an oblique injury on June 15 and only returned to action on July 26. Since his return, Domínguez continued to impress, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Now, he is set to make his major league debut, playing center field and batting sixth, with occasional appearances in left field as well.
Aaron Boone is optimistic about the young talent. "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," Boone remarked. He also highlighted Domínguez's consistent improvement over recent weeks. "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."
Anthony Misiewicz Designated for Assignment
The Yankees also made a move in their bullpen by designating reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz's impact with the Yankees was minimal this season, appearing in just one game. However, his record for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre was more noteworthy, with a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances.
Jon Berti's Return
In another significant development, the Yankees have activated Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti missed a substantial portion of the season—90 games—due to a left calf strain he sustained on May 24 during a game in San Diego. Prior to his injury, Berti was showing promise, hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. Acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, the versatile player's return could provide a boost to the Yankees' depth.
The Yankees, undoubtedly, face a critical juncture in their season. With LeMahieu sidelined and new faces like Domínguez entering the mix, the next few games will be pivotal. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the revamped roster takes to the field, hoping that these changes spark a much-needed resurgence for the storied franchise.