LeMahieu embraces Yankees’ ninth hole, ready to ‘lurk down there’

Third baseman DJ LeMahieu returned to the Yankees lineup and made his 2024 season debut on Tuesday against the Angels. However, he had to don a new role coming ninth in the batting order.

But the veteran infielder embraces his new role in the Yankees’ batting order with wholehearted acceptance and enthusiasm. Agreeing with manager Aaron Boone’s decision to maintain Anthony Volpe as the leadoff hitter, LeMahieu expresses contentment with his assignment to the No. 9 spot, previously occupied by Oswaldo Cabrera at third base this season.

“Yeah, absolutely,” LeMahieu responded after the game to a question on his new position. “I wouldn’t change a whole lot of their offense right now. I’m looking forward to it. I’m just looking forward to being part of the lineup. I’ll lurk down there in the bottom of the order.”

Starting after a two-month hiatus, LeMahieu wanted to play at any cost and, therefore, was ready to accept any role.

“Obviously it’s been a special start to the season, so I’m just looking forward to being part of it.”

He affirms his support for the lineup adjustment, asserting it won’t significantly alter the team’s offense. The third baseman eagerly anticipates contributing to the lineup, even if it means occupying the bottom position. LeMahieu acknowledges the Yankees‘ exceptional season start and eagerly looks forward to being part of the team’s continued success, reflecting a positive and team-focused mindset amidst the lineup adjustments.

LeMahieu’s performance at the plate may have been devoid of hits, yet his disciplined eye and keen batting acumen shone through, as he coaxed a walk amidst his fruitless trio of at-bats and crossed home plate for a run scored, despite the Yankees’ agonizing 4-3 defeat. Aaron Boone, the skipper of the Bronx Bombers, lauded the player’s approach, asserting that his four plate appearances exuded quality, even without a base knock to validate his efforts, complemented by the patient walk he drew.

“I thought he had four good at-bats. No hits to show for and the walk, but four good at-bats,” manager the manager said.

Boone convinces LeMahieu for the ninth hole

Yankees manager Aaron Boone maintained regular communication with the recuperating third baseman throughout the past week. He diligently monitored LeMahieu’s recovery progress, particularly focusing on the condition of his right foot.

The infielder consistently provided positive updates before, during, and after his six-game stint in the minors from May 17 to 26. During this period, LeMahieu showcased both physical prowess and offensive prowess, instilling confidence in his readiness. This ongoing dialogue underscores the Yankees’ meticulous oversight of LeMahieu’s rehabilitation, signaling anticipation for his imminent reinstatement to the major league roster.

DJ LeMahieu gets on base in his season debut! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/OVjLWXIr33

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 29, 2024

Ahead of LeMahieu’s anticipated return from the injured list, Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a notable announcement during Monday’s break. He disclosed to LeMahieu that he wouldn’t be reclaiming his leadoff batting position, a role he traditionally held over his five-year tenure with the team.

Instead, Anthony Volpe, boasting a 19-game hitting streak, would continue in the leadoff role he’d assumed earlier in the season. Boone shared this decision with LeMahieu as the Yankees readied to reintegrate the seasoned infielder into their active lineup for Tuesday’s game at Angel Stadium.

With LeMahieu’s comeback to the Yankees’ roster, manager Aaron Boone unveils a novel strategy for the seasoned infielder, at least in the short term and potentially for an extended duration. Departing from his usual perch near the top, LeMahieu will debut in the No. 9 slot. It’s an uncommon sight for a two-time batting champion to occupy the last position, yet the Yankees flaunt a potent lineup renowned for run production. Hence, as LeMahieu reacclimates to the team, he’ll assume his position at the tail end of the batting order, marking a notable shift in strategy for the Bronx Bombers.

LeMahieu affirms his support for the lineup adjustment, asserting it won’t significantly alter the team’s offense. He eagerly anticipates contributing to the lineup, even if it means occupying the bottom position. LeMahieu acknowledges the Yankees‘ exceptional season start and eagerly looks forward to being part of the team’s continued success, reflecting a positive and team-focused mindset amidst the lineup adjustments.

DJ LeMahieu’s placement in the ninth position of the Yankees’ lineup on Tuesday marked a rarity, as he had only batted in that slot during his first two games with the team in 2019. However, the veteran infielder is accustomed to hitting lower in the order, having frequently occupied the eighth spot earlier in his career and the No. 9 position 23 times from 2013-2016 while playing for the Rockies.

In a brief pre-game interview, LeMahieu reiterated that his right foot, which sustained a non-displaced fracture during a spring training at-bat in Tampa on March 16, has not presented any recent issues. He expressed confidence in his physical condition, noting feeling good and significantly increasing his activity level over the past few weeks.

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