Relief is on the horizon for the injury-plagued New York Yankees. Veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu has rejoined the squad during their Detroit road series and appears poised to begin a rehab assignment later this week, potentially strengthening the infield as April progresses.
Yankees skipper Aaron Boone revealed Monday that LeMahieu would participate in team workouts throughout the Comerica Park series and, assuming no complications arise, is scheduled to start a minor league rehab assignment on Friday. The 36-year-old has been sidelined since March 1 with a troublesome calf strain, forcing him to miss spring training and the opening 10 games of the campaign.
Boone noted that LeMahieu has been diligently working toward recovery, adding that if this week goes smoothly, the next phase involves getting him live at-bats in actual game scenarios.
Given his extended absence from competitive play, LeMahieu will likely require a lengthier rehab stint. MLB regulations allow position players to remain on assignment for up to 20 days, which could put the veteran on track for a return to the Yankees’ active roster by late April.
LeMahieu entered camp with an opportunity to secure the starting third base position but suffered his injury during just his second spring at-bat. With two years and $30 million remaining on his contract, LeMahieu is keen to reestablish his value after battling various leg ailments over the past two seasons.
Bullpen Movement: Ottavino Returns, Hamilton Imminent
The Yankees made a pitching adjustment Monday, bringing back Adam Ottavino for another stint with the 2025 squad. The 39-year-old reliever rejoined the team merely three days after being designated for assignment, replacing Brent Headrick, who was optioned to Triple-A.
Ottavino reached Detroit just two hours before the first pitch and worked one-third of an inning in the Yankees’ 6-2 defeat to the Tigers. Despite issuing two walks, Boone expressed appreciation for the veteran’s approach.
“Definitely good to have him back,” Boone said. “He threw the ball well in his earlier outings. There’s no ego with him — he just wants to compete.”
Despite delivering 5.1 scoreless innings to begin the season, Headrick became expendable due to his recent usage pattern and remaining minor-league options.
Boone left the door open for Headrick’s return, noting, “There’s a role to be had here for him, especially if he keeps pitching this way.”
Right-hander Ian Hamilton is expected to be activated as soon as Tuesday, which could trigger another roster shuffle—potentially making Ottavino’s latest tenure with the team brief once again.
Loaisiga and Matzek making strides
The Yankees are also monitoring Jonathan Loaisiga’s recovery from elbow surgery. Boone characterized Loáisiga’s rehabilitation as “going really, really well,” describing the reliever’s bullpen sessions as “electric.”
Loáisiga pitched a simulated inning over the weekend with Double-A Somerset. His rehabilitation will advance to facing live hitters in game situations soon. His projected return remains targeted for late May to early June, aligning with estimates provided during spring training.
Meanwhile, southpaw Tyler Matzek commenced his rehab assignment with Single-A Tampa on Sunday, throwing 17 pitches across one inning. Barring setbacks, he could rejoin the Yankees‘ bullpen before April concludes.
Schmidt’s return creates rotation decisions
On the starting pitching front, Clarke Schmidt is approaching a return from shoulder soreness following an encouraging rehab appearance with Somerset. He’s anticipated back by mid-April, prompting difficult decisions about the rotation’s composition.
Will Warren and Carlos Carrasco have struggled in the early going, but the Yankees appear more likely to option Warren, who maintains minor league flexibility, rather than risk losing Carrasco through the waiver process.
Carrasco allowed three runs across 5.1 innings in his most recent start, while Warren surrendered four runs over four frames on Sunday. With Schmidt nearing availability, Boone and the front office must determine whether to shift Carrasco to relief duties or return Warren to Triple-A.
Yankees injury roundup: Expected return dates
- DJ LeMahieu (calf): Rehab assignment likely starting Friday; potential return by April’s end.
- Ian Hamilton (infection): Activation expected Tuesday in Detroit.
- Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow): Progressing toward late May/early June return.
- Tyler Matzek (oblique): Rehab underway; possible return in late April.
- Clarke Schmidt (shoulder): Rehabilitation continuing; mid-April return anticipated.
As the Yankees seek to solidify both their batting order and pitching depth, the reintegration of key veterans like LeMahieu, Hamilton, and eventually Loáisiga could deliver essential stability during a critical early portion of the 2025 campaign.
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