Yankees plot infield shift: LeMahieu moving off third on comeback

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DJ LeMahieu is nearing his return, but the Yankees have a new plan for him.

The New York Yankees are preparing a strategic positional adjustment for DJ LeMahieu as the veteran infielder nears his return to active duty. LeMahieu, who has primarily manned third base over the past two seasons, appears headed back to his original position at second base—a tactical response to recent roster developments and injury concerns.

LeMahieu made a brief appearance at Yankee Stadium on Monday, temporarily stepping away from his rehabilitation assignment with Double-A Somerset. The 36-year-old has been sidelined with a calf strain sustained during his first spring training contest, but after completing six productive minor league games, his return seems imminent.

“He’s here today off his [rehab assignment],” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “We haven’t sat down and looked at how the week is going to lay out. But right now, second [base] is more in play with Jazz [Chisholm Jr.] down for a little bit.”

From hot Corner to middle Infield

Though LeMahieu has established himself at third base recently, the Yankees are reconsidering his deployment given Chisholm’s oblique injury. With their everyday second baseman sidelined indefinitely, the organization views LeMahieu as a natural stabilizing presence in the middle infield.

This adjustment represents a homecoming of sorts for LeMahieu, whose defensive excellence at second base earned him multiple Gold Gloves earlier in his career, including during his All-Star tenure with Colorado. While he’s demonstrated versatility across the infield in recent seasons, his technical proficiency at second remains particularly valuable.

Meanwhile, the third base situation remains unsettled. Oswald Peraza and Pablo Reyes have struggled during limited opportunities, while Oswaldo Cabrera has provided steady defense but inconsistent offense. Management must determine whether reinstalling LeMahieu at third or entrusting one of these younger players while he fills the second base vacancy presents the optimal configuration.

Rehabilitation progress and return schedule

LeMahieu has displayed encouraging form during his Somerset assignment, compiling a .438 batting average with seven hits, including one double and one home run across six appearances. He also received a precautionary cortisone injection in his right hip last week, which has reportedly facilitated his continued on-field progress.

While the organization hasn’t announced an official activation date, Boone indicated LeMahieu could rejoin the active roster during the upcoming West Coast swing, beginning in Sacramento against Oakland before continuing to Seattle.

The Yankees haven’t finalized his immediate playing schedule, but all indicators suggest LeMahieu’s return is days rather than weeks away—potentially as soon as this weekend, barring unforeseen complications.

Consequences of the positional realignment

LeMahieu’s transition to second base potentially creates an opportunity for a platoon partnership with rookie Jorbit Vivas, who has demonstrated promise early in his major league career. Vivas has particularly excelled against right-handed pitching, complementing the right-handed LeMahieu and potentially allowing the Yankees to optimize matchups while moderating their veteran’s workload.

The coaching staff continues evaluating infield depth alternatives. Despite Peraza and Reyes offering defensive versatility, their offensive contributions have been underwhelming. A configuration featuring LeMahieu at second, Cabrera at third, and Vivas rotating based on pitching matchups might provide greater consistency as the Yankees navigate a demanding May schedule amid increasing divisional competition.

Veteran leadership arriving at critical juncture

Beyond statistical contributions, LeMahieu’s composure and professionalism represent invaluable intangible assets. His disciplined approach at the plate and steady clubhouse presence provide essential balance to the roster’s youthful energy. As injuries test organizational depth across both infield and pitching staff, LeMahieu’s return offers timely reinforcement.

His presence also affords Boone flexibility to experiment with various infield arrangements heading into crucial upcoming series against Athletics, Mariners, and Mets.

LeMahieu’s adaptability across multiple positions has long represented one of his most valuable characteristics—now it also represents his clearest path back into everyday playing time.

Additional injury update: Stroman making progress

Boone also shared developments regarding Marcus Stroman, sidelined since April with knee inflammation. Stroman was scheduled for a bullpen session on Monday, with successful completion potentially advancing him to facing live hitters—the final prerequisite before beginning rehabilitation assignments.

The organization anticipates Stroman could return by early June, potentially rejoining a rotation anchored by Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt. His reintegration would enhance pitching depth and allow relief pitchers to resume more sustainable workloads after extended periods of heavy utilization.

The Yankees have weathered a challenging schedule segment without several key veterans. However, as LeMahieu, Stroman, and Giancarlo Stanton approach their respective returns, optimism grows regarding imminent reinforcements.

Currently, attention centers on how LeMahieu’s positional adjustment will reshape the Yankees’ infield configuration—and how his reintegration might stabilize a roster seeking consistency while competing in baseball’s most demanding division.

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