The New York Yankees are making significant roster changes as they head into a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium.
DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering right hip impingement. According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, "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 has had a challenging season, hitting .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games. This latest setback follows an earlier injury where he missed the team's first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot.
Last season, LeMahieu managed to bat .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs over 136 games. The Yankees are hopeful that treatment will aid his recovery, but his absence presents an immediate void for the team as they push towards crucial games.
In a move to bolster their lineup, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez, a 20-year-old phenom, has showcased his potential this season, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs across 58 games in three minor league levels. He had previously faced an oblique injury on June 15 but made a strong comeback on July 26, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs upon his return for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Boone has high expectations for Domínguez. "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 said. Domínguez will make his major league debut at center field and will bat sixth, with plans for him to also get playing time in left field.
As the Yankees bolster their roster with fresh talent, they have also made room by designating reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in just one game for New York this season, although he had a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. While his contributions have been limited at the major league level, the move indicates the Yankees’ focus on pivoting towards players they believe can make immediate and impactful contributions.
Additionally, the Yankees have activated Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti missed an extensive 90 games due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, he posted a promising .273 average with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. Acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, Berti’s return is highly anticipated. However, his injury history, highlighted by collapsing in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24, raises some questions about his durability moving forward.
Boone's decision to shuffle the roster signifies a strategic push as the Yankees look to address both current injuries and future potential. The addition of Jasson Domínguez and the return of Jon Berti bring a blend of youthful vigor and veteran experience to the squad. Their performances in the upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals will likely set the tone for the rest of the season as the Yankees navigate these pivotal games with hopes of maintaining their standing and pushing for success.
Boone summed up his outlook on the recent changes with a sense of cautious optimism. "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."
The upcoming series will be a telling period for the Yankees. With seasoned players like DJ LeMahieu sidelined and rising stars like Jasson Domínguez making their debut, fans will be watching closely to see how these strategic moves translate on the field.