DJ LeMahieu is expected to be activated off the injured list ahead of Tuesday’s game in Seattle and rejoin the Yankees’ lineup for Wednesday’s series finale, manager Aaron Boone said Monday.
The veteran infielder, who has been sidelined all season with a left calf strain, is already with the team on the West Coast. The Yankees are holding off on the official roster move by a day, but Boone said the expectation is for LeMahieu to make his 2024 debut Wednesday.
Boone: “I feel like he’s ready to go”
“I think he’s in a good spot,” Boone said before Monday’s game. “His ramp-up’s been good. He’s had a pretty long runway of build up. I feel like he’s ready to go and hopefully ready to contribute.”
DJ LeMahieu has missed the Yankees’ first 40 games after injuring his calf during just his second plate appearance of spring training. The 35-year-old has dealt with several lower-body injuries in recent seasons, but Boone said he’s encouraged by how LeMahieu has responded to his recent workload.
During his minor league rehab assignment, DJ LeMahieu went 12-for-27 with two extra-base hits and played full games in the field, signaling he’s close to full strength.
Playing time at second base awaits
The plan is for DJ LeMahieu to take over the majority of reps at second base while Jazz Chisholm remains sidelined. Once Chisholm returns, the Yankees are expected to rotate LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera at third base.
“The biggest thing is health,” Boone said. “DJ can fall out of bed and hit. What’s tripped him up over the years is just the nagging injuries. Obviously, he’s a little older now, but guys who can really hit — if they’re healthy — usually continue to hit late into their careers. Hopefully he can come in and be a real contributor for us.”
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