DJ LeMahieu is set to return to the Yankees this Tuesday. In an interview with Talkin’ Yanks, Aaron Boone revealed that LeMahieu is excited to be back and doesn’t care about his spot in the batting order.
“I already talked to DJ about this,” Boone said. “I actually talked with him during Monday’s off day. DJ doesn’t care where he hits. DJ is just excited to be back and knows what he’s been watching here, the start that the guys are off to and how well they’re playing.”
This statement was reaffirmed by DJ LeMahieu hours later in an interview with Bryan Hoch from MLB.com. Prior to the Yankees’ 4-3 defeat to the Los Angeles Angels, LeMahieu spoke to the press, saying that he wouldn’t change the offense. He added, “I’m just looking forward to being a part of the lineup. I’ll lurk down there in the bottom of the order.”
Aaron Boone reveals his plans to the Yankees’ lineup
LeMahieu made his debut for the Yankees on March 28, 2019, starting on the bench as the team won 7-2 over the Orioles on Opening Day. In the next two games, LeMahieu batted ninth, playing third base one day and second base the next. After a series of multi-hit games, he moved up in the batting order, eventually becoming the leadoff hitter on April 4, 2019.
Pinstripes Nation had already reported that Boone decided to keep Anthony Volpe in the leadoff spot, and the manager explained this decision.
“I think he just wants to come and be a part of it,” Boone said. “I know wherever he is in the lineup, he’s going to bring that awesome at-bat with him. But I did tell him that I’m not going to move Volpe right now and (LeMahieu) is totally on board with that.”
LeMahieu was often the leadoff hitter in his first five seasons with the Yankees, including a .327 average with 26 home runs and 102 RBIs in 2019, and he won the batting title in 2020 with a .364 average in the COVID-shortened season.
Heading into Tuesday’s game, the Yankees were third in the American League in runs scored, first in home runs, and second in on-base percentage.
“Gleyber’s been hitting in that seven hole and I’m going to keep him there,” Boone said. “I may play with (the lineup) a little bit, but I’m going to have DJ in the ninth hole just because I value that spot so much and his ability to get on base I feel can be really valuable.
“That’s a very deep lineup when you have Gleyber and DJ in your last three with Wells (or Jose Trevino catching and hitting eighth). These guys are humming.”
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