As LeMahieu’s health raises flags, which Yankees are nearing return?

During the Yankees’ victory against the Oakland Athletics, DJ LeMahieu, playing in his first rehab game, left the field early due to concerns raised by the Yankees. According to the latest reports, the experienced Yankees third baseman was pulled out of the game with Double-A Somerset due to soreness in his right foot. This occurred after he struck out in his initial at-bat and played only one inning in the field. But it isn|t a solely case, to be fair the case has started to put on the spotlight the old enemy by the Yankees nation: the injuries.

Injuries are an unfortunate reality in professional sports, and the New York Yankees are currently grappling with their fair share of setbacks as the 2024 MLB season progresses. From key players to promising prospects, the team’s roster has been significantly impacted by various ailments, ranging from minor setbacks to season-ending surgeries.

A look into the Yankees’ injury list updated in 2024

The Yankees took a major hit when they lost one of their top guns, Gerrit Cole, and despite this huge setback, the Bronx Bombers are still in the hunt to make some noise this season. However, to add insult to injury, the fact that the Yankees have been snakebitten by injuries and have had to put several players like Cole on the shelf is a telltale sign that things aren’t exactly clicking on all cylinders.

That said, they’ve got a few players working their way back from the disabled list who could provide a shot in the arm for the club. Despite the injuries, the Yankees have managed to keep their heads above water and remain in the thick of things.

Oswaldo Cabrera

According to MLB.com, last Sunday Aaron Boone, manager of the New York Yankees, stated that the team’s infielder is still weeks away from participating in minor league games.

Gerrit Cole

The absence of ace pitcher Gerrit Cole due to an elbow injury has been a major blow for the Yankees. Manager Aaron Boone has provided some optimism by suggesting that Cole may begin throwing off a mound in the coming week. However, his prolonged absence raises questions about the team’s pitching depth and ability to maintain consistency on the mound.

Jon Berti

Infielder Jon Berti is currently sidelined with a groin injury, but there are signs of progress as he resumes hitting and engages in defensive drills. His return would provide a much-needed boost to the team’s depth in the infield.

Nick Burdi

Reliever Nick Burdi’s placement on the 15-day injured list due to right hip inflammation further depletes the team’s bullpen options. The extent of his absence remains uncertain, adding to the bullpen management challenges faced by the coaching staff.

Tommy Kahnle

Another key arm in the bullpen, Tommy Kahnle, is battling a shoulder injury that has him on the 15-day IL. While there is progress in his recovery, he still needs additional bullpen sessions before facing hitters, prolonging his absence from game action.

Jasson Dominguez

The Yankees’ highly touted prospect, Jasson Dominguez, is facing a significant setback with a 60-day IL designation due to an elbow injury. Despite positive reports of his throwing progress, his absence from the field is a disappointment for both the team and fans eagerly awaiting his debut.

Jonathan Loaisiga

The news of reliever Jonathan Loaisiga’s season-ending surgery for a torn UCL in his right elbow dealt a major blow to the Yankees’ bullpen depth. His absence leaves a significant void in the pitching roster and underscores the fragility of players’ health in professional sports.

What happened with DJ LeMahieu?

DJ LeMahieu will head back to New York on Wednesday for further evaluation by the Yankees’ team doctor. Manager Aaron Boone provided limited updates after the Yankees’ 4-3 win, mentioning only that LeMahieu felt discomfort prompting his exit from the game.

Erik Boland of Newsday reported on Monday that DJ LeMahieu is still dealing with swelling in his right foot and will be shut down from all baseball activities for a week.

This setback is worrisome for LeMahieu, who hadn’t played since March 16 due to a non-displaced fracture resulting from a foul ball hitting his right foot. Anthony Rizzo expressed empathy, highlighting LeMahieu’s dedication to the team and the game. The 35-year-old infielder was slated to begin his rehab assignment last Friday but had to postpone it for a few days following an MRI.

LeMahieu’s early departure from the game in Somerset is a cause for concern, especially considering his recent efforts to increase his workload during recovery. The Yankees had emphasized the importance of not rushing his return to avoid aggravating his foot injury, which had sidelined him for significant portions of the past two seasons.

Now, with LeMahieu’s status uncertain pending further tests, the Yankees must wait anxiously to determine the next steps in his rehabilitation journey.

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