Anthony Rizzo’s Yankees return pushes LeMahieu out of starting lineup

The Yankees are looking forward to some relief at first base with Anthony Rizzo potentially returning as soon as this weekend. In the meantime, DJ LeMahieu has been filling in, making his fourth consecutive start at the position during the team’s 5-2 loss to the Nationals on Wednesday.

LeMahieu, who has been in a hitting slump, showed some signs of breaking out, going 5-for-13 with two sacrifice flies over the last four games. However, his performance on Wednesday night was less encouraging, as he went 1-for-3 and grounded into a double play that ended an inning and stalled a potential rally. He was later replaced by pinch-hitter Oswaldo Cabrera during a ninth-inning attempt to come back.

LeMahieu’s struggles have not been limited to his offense; he also committed a costly error at first base in Tuesday’s 4-2 defeat to the Nationals. With Rizzo’s return on the horizon, LeMahieu is likely to find himself back on the bench.

Anthony Rizzo ready for Yankees return

The Yankees are hopeful for Anthony Rizzo’s return to first base, potentially as soon as this weekend.

Rizzo’s rehab has advanced more quickly than expected, with the first baseman playing his second consecutive game at first base for Double-A Somerset on Wednesday. The game was shortened due to rain, but Rizzo’s progress is promising. The team plans to evaluate his condition further when he returns to New York on Thursday. Initially limited to designated hitter duties, Rizzo made an earlier-than-planned return to first base in his third rehab game, which also saw him hit a home run on Tuesday.

When asked about Rizzo’s availability for the upcoming series against the Cardinals, who are set to start right-handers, the Yankees‘ manager did not provide a definitive answer. The initial plan had been to ease Rizzo back into action, focusing on getting consistent at-bats as a designated hitter before reintroducing him to first base. However, a recent medical clearance accelerated his return to fielding duties.

Previously, the manager indicated that Rizzo wouldn’t need much time in the field during his rehab stint, as the main objective was for him to regain his form at the plate after being sidelined since mid-June. Rizzo’s swift transition back to playing first has sparked optimism that he could rejoin the Yankees sooner than initially expected.

LeMahieu faces tough task to keep place in Yankees lineup

DJ LeMahieu’s performance this season has been well below his usual standards, following a delayed start due to a non-displaced foot fracture. The 36-year-old infielder, who is under contract for two more years at $30 million beyond this season, ended Wednesday with a .202 batting average and a .526 OPS over 225 plate appearances.

Before the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone was asked about the possibility of reducing LeMahieu’s starts against left-handed pitchers. Boone underscored LeMahieu’s track record, while admitting the early-season injury had set him back. He stressed the need to allow time for patterns to emerge before making any firm decisions regarding LeMahieu’s role.

LeMahieu has received significant playing time this summer due to Anthony Rizzo’s injury and other teammates’ struggles against left-handed pitching, yet his own performance has not justified the opportunities. Across 65 games this year, LeMahieu is hitting .200 (39-for-195). His .523 OPS ranks fifth-lowest among hitters with more than 200 plate appearances, while his wRC+ of 50 is the ninth-worst.

There have been minor signs of improvement lately. Over his last 18 games, beginning with a productive outing against the Phillies on July 31 where he tallied six RBIs, LeMahieu is batting .268. However, this stretch has been mostly devoid of power, featuring just one home run and two doubles. Despite showing patience and making contact, other advanced metrics don’t suggest a significant turnaround is imminent.

LeMahieu’s struggles have been particularly pronounced against left-handers, where he is hitting just .149 (10-for-67) with a .422 OPS — the fourth-lowest among hitters with over 70 plate appearances against lefties this season.

With Rizzo nearing a return, LeMahieu’s place in the Yankees’ starting lineup is increasingly uncertain.

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