DJ LeMahieu, the Yankees’ third baseman, was not in the lineup for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. This decision came amid a challenging season for LeMahieu, who has been struggling significantly at the plate since his return from a fractured foot in late May. Over 39 games, LeMahieu has posted a disappointing .177 batting average and a .472 OPS.
When questioned about LeMahieu’s future playing time, Yankees manager Aaron Boone was notably noncommittal. He declined to confirm whether the infielder would return to the regular lineup for Monday’s series finale against the Rays, responding only with a vague “we’ll see.”
LeMahieu, now 36 years old, addressed his situation on Sunday morning in The Bronx. He asserted that he feels physically well, despite his poor performance at the plate. LeMahieu emphasized that he feels capable of performing his job, contradicting speculation that his struggles might be due to lingering health issues.
“I feel good,” the Yankees’ infielder said. “Feel good. Feel good enough to do my job.”
This season has been particularly challenging for LeMahieu. He missed the first two months after suffering a non-displaced fracture in his foot during spring training. This injury came on top of foot and toe issues that had affected his performance in the previous two seasons.
Since his return, LeMahieu’s performance has been a far cry from his previous form. Once a two-time batting champion, he has been unable to replicate the productivity that made him a key player for the Yankees in recent years.
The situation is particularly concerning given LeMahieu’s insistence on his good health. If he is indeed fully fit, as he claims, his poor performance becomes even more puzzling and potentially worrisome for the Yankees organization.
LeMahieu’s struggles and the uncertainty surrounding his role in the team moving forward highlight the challenges facing both the player and the Yankees as they navigate this difficult period in the veteran infielder’s career.
Indefinite benching or trade for LeMahieu?
The Yankees’ front office faces a pressing decision as the trade deadline approaches, considering the possibility of acquiring a third baseman to replace the struggling LeMahieu. With few teams in selling mode, the market for such upgrades is expected to be competitive and potentially costly. The need for improvement at third base is evident, as the position has been a weak spot in the Yankees’ offense throughout the season.
LeMahieu’s performance at third base has been particularly concerning. Among players with over 100 plate appearances at the position this season, he ranks lowest in batting average (.165), slugging percentage (.193), and wRC+ (40).
LeMahieu acknowledged his struggles, describing his performance as inconsistent. He expressed frustration with his inability to maintain any positive momentum, often feeling like he’s making progress only to regress again.
“Just trying to work through it,” the Yankees’ third baseman said. “It just hasn’t been very consistent. I feel like I’m on to something and then kind of go backwards a little bit and then get on to something. The consistency hasn’t been there.”
When asked about his confidence in turning his season around, LeMahieu’s response was tinged with a hint of self-deprecating humor. He admitted that his recent performance hasn’t given him much reason for optimism. However, he drew on his extensive experience in baseball, recalling past challenges he’s overcome. LeMahieu emphasized his commitment to continuing to show up and work hard, citing this approach as the source of his past successes.
“I mean, it hasn’t given me much hope over the last month or so,” he said. “But as long as I’ve played this game, whatever challenges presented themselves, I’ve always come out of it, one way or another. Just keep showing up, keep working. That’s gotten me a lot of success in my career.”
LeMahieu described this period as one of the most frustrating of his career, with his struggles reaching a new low recently as he went hitless in 17 at-bats over six games.
On Sunday, Oswaldo Cabrera started at third base in LeMahieu’s place, going 2-for-4 in the Yankees’ 6-4 loss to the Rays. With the July 30 trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are expected to be in the market for a corner infielder.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his role and the team’s potential moves, LeMahieu maintained his focus on personal improvement. He acknowledged the difficulty of his current situation but found motivation in being part of what he considers a special team and group of players.
“It sucks. It’s not fun,” the infielder said. “But I will say, our team’s a special team, so showing up with a special team and a special group keeps me going, for sure.”
LeMahieu’s contract situation adds another layer of complexity to the Yankees’ decision-making process, as he still has two years and $30 million remaining on his deal after this season.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
