After several months sidelined, DJ LeMahieu appears to be closing in on a return to the Yankees‘ lineup. Manager Aaron Boone told reporters on Thursday that LeMahieu is progressing and could begin a Minor League rehab assignment early next week. While no exact date has been set, updates will follow as soon as it becomes available.
LeMahieu speaks on calf injury setback
DJ LeMahieu last spoke about his condition on March 2, before a Yankees spring training game against the Atlanta Braves. Speaking with NorthJersey.com’s Pete Caldera, the player downplayed the severity of his left calf strain, saying, “It’s not anything major, but it’s probably going to be a little bit” before he’s back to full baseball activity.
“I’m not off to the hottest start,” he admitted, referring to his push to prove he’s healthy again after an injury-filled 2024 season, as reported by NJ.com’s Randy Miller.
Since then, more than a month has passed — the regular season is well underway now, with this update published on April 17.
Spring debut marked by cautious optimism
The 36-year-old made his spring debut in a 9–3 win over the Houston Astros. Batting sixth as the designated hitter, he went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in the second inning and a flyout to second base in the fourth. He was replaced by pinch-hitter Omar Martinez in the seventh.
“I definitely feel very confident in myself,” DJ LeMahieu told The New York Post’s Dan Martin. “That hasn’t wavered at all. But at the same time, I keep getting hit with setbacks. It’s discouraging, for sure. I know I have something to give this team if I can stay healthy.”
Now entering his seventh season in pinstripes, DJ LeMahieu remains a key piece in the Yankees’ plans for 2025. Last year, he was limited to 67 games and posted a career-low .204 batting average, with two home runs and 26 RBIs.
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