Yankees’ LeMahieu shrouded in mystery after Boone’s cryptic comments

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DJ LeMahieu‘s 2023 season with the Yankees seems to be winding down earlier than expected, casting doubt on his future with the team. The Yankees have placed the 36-year-old infielder on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to September 6, due to a right hip impingement. LeMahieu last appeared in a game on September 3 against the Rangers, where he went 1-for-3.

Manager Aaron Boone disclosed that the Yankees infielder has been grappling with the hip issue for weeks, receiving treatment as the condition fluctuated between improvement and setbacks. Boone was unsure if LeMahieu would return this season, noting they were still awaiting MRI results from Monday. With just 18 regular-season games remaining after Monday, and given LeMahieu’s injury history and ongoing struggles, his return to the lineup appears unlikely.

“It’s been something that’s been kind of lingering the last couple of weeks,” he said. “He’s been getting treatment on it. It’s better some days, worse the others. Just something that’s been kind of lingering for a few weeks now.”

Boone refused to specify the exact cause of the injury leaving much ambiguity to speculate. But he indicated it might stem from a combination of factors, including past core surgery, recent knocks like a foul ball off his shin, ongoing foot problems, and general wear and tear.

“I don’t know if it was [anything] initial,” he commented said. “I don’t know if it’s just part of, he’s obviously had core surgery in the past, obviously the different things that have happened to him — fouling the ball off his shin and the stuff that’s going on with his feet. It could just be the result of the wear and tear and the rigors of the season.”

LeMahieu’s absence affects the Yankees‘ lineup down the stretch and brings his long-term future with the club into question. His health and recent performance struggles may impact the team’s decisions regarding his role going forward.

Is it the end of Yankees time for LeMahieu?

In his sixth season with the Yankees, DJ LeMahieu has drawn considerable criticism amid a sharp decline in performance, a far cry from his earlier achievements that included two Silver Slugger awards and a 2020 batting title. This year, LeMahieu’s struggles have been glaring, as his offensive numbers have dropped to a .204/.269/.259 slash line with a .527 OPS. His -1.7 bWAR ranked second-worst among MLB hitters heading into Monday’s games.

Complicating matters, the Yankees activated Jon Berti from the injured list on Monday, a move expected to cut further into LeMahieu’s playing time at third base. Meanwhile, Anthony Rizzo’s recent return has already limited LeMahieu’s chances at first base, adding pressure to his already diminished role.

LeMahieu’s contract situation adds another layer of uncertainty to his future in New York. He is owed $30 million over the next two years, raising speculation that the Yankees could consider releasing him this offseason, potentially viewing his contract as a sunk cost.

LeMahieu’s latest injury only heightens concerns about his ability to contribute moving forward, prompting the Yankees to carefully evaluate his role on the team. As the infielder’s future hangs in the balance, the financial implications of parting ways with the veteran may weigh heavily in the team’s decision-making process.

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