LeMahieu rejoins Yankees lineup, shows flexibility to save precarious career.
DJ LeMahieu stepped back into the New York Yankees lineup Wednesday with no guarantees about his everyday status – and remarkably little concern about it.
Making his season debut at second base in the series finale against the Seattle Mariners, LeMahieu showed immediate signs of readiness, delivering a ninth-inning single in his first game back from injury. The hit – a 244-foot line drive that left his bat at 99.3 mph – suggested his swing remains intact. More telling, however, was LeMahieu’s pregame perspective about his evolving place on the roster.
“I told Booney already, I’m ready to help this team,” LeMahieu told YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits during a pregame interview. “You know, whatever role that is, I’m good with. The ego’s been checked a little while ago.”
Redefined expectations, unchanged attitude
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LeMahieu’s return comes at a pivotal juncture for both the player and organization. The 36-year-old infielder is midway through the fifth season of a six-year, $90 million contract signed in 2021 – a deal that once positioned him as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ infield. Following consecutive seasons hampered by injuries and diminished production, however, his roster spot no longer carries the previous certainties.
Manager Aaron Boone recently indicated that LeMahieu “probably wouldn’t assume an everyday role” this season. For a two-time batting champion and three-time All-Star selection, such a statement represents a significant shift – yet LeMahieu has approached the situation with characteristic professionalism.
“However, I can help the team, whether it’s every day or not, I’m good to go,” he emphasized.
Performance decline and rehabilitation journey
Recent statistics highlight LeMahieu’s challenges. Throughout the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, he appeared in 203 games, batting .232 with 17 home runs and 70 RBIs – a substantial decline from his earlier Yankees tenure. His OPS+ during this period registered at 84, below league average and far removed from his 2020 peak when he captured the American League batting title.
LeMahieu acknowledges these difficulties without dwelling on them.
“Yeah, it’s frustrating. But at the same time, I keep going,” he said regarding his injury battles. “It hasn’t always been fun or the most enjoyable baseball that I’m used to, but it’s tested — physically, mentally, everything. I’m just trying to put myself in the best position to help this team.”
This determination manifested during his rehabilitation assignment. LeMahieu completed nine minor league games, posting an impressive 1.093 OPS and demonstrating encouraging signs at the plate. The Yankees proceeded cautiously nonetheless, administering a cortisone shot to address a lingering hip issue before activating him from the injured list.
“It was just something that was a little nagging as I was getting going again,” LeMahieu explained. “The last thing I wanted to happen was to get activated and have something flare up.”
Strategic return timing
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While LeMahieu was activated on Tuesday, he didn’t enter the Yankees’ 2-1 extra-inning loss to Seattle. His return to the starting lineup on Wednesday initially corresponded with replacing Jazz Chisholm Jr., who landed on the injured list with a lower-body concern. After Oswaldo Cabrera suffered a fractured ankle in Monday’s series opener however, LeMahieu’s multi-positional capabilities gained even greater significance.
Though second base marked his reentry point, Boone may soon deploy him at third base as well, potentially becoming his primary position depending on lineup developments in the coming weeks.
Veteran presence for Subway Series
The Yankees now return to New York for their highly anticipated Subway Series against the crosstown Mets. With multiple regulars sidelined, including Cabrera and Chisholm, LeMahieu may receive increased opportunities – if only temporarily.
His defensive versatility across infield positions, combined with his leadership qualities and clubhouse influence, remains valuable for a Yankees squad managing both performance expectations and health setbacks.
LeMahieu embraces these circumstances wholeheartedly.
“Excited to be here, and you know, hopefully help this team, you know, keep rolling,” he remarked.
Future outlook remains fluid
LeMahieu’s potential resurgence represents an ongoing development. A promising performance during his limited return last season generated optimism about a comeback. Consistent production has eluded him since 2021, however, and at 36, opportunities for redemption naturally diminish.
The organization likely won’t rush any determination regarding his everyday status. Instead, LeMahieu must progressively earn playing time through on-field performance, beginning with this weekend’s Mets showdown.
For now, he provides the Yankees with critical attributes: flexibility, experience, and a team-first approach.
LeMahieu reiterated that he had told Boone he was ready to help the team in whatever capacity needed, emphasizing again that his ego was no longer a factor in the equation.
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