Since March 16th during spring training, DJ LeMahieu of the New York Yankees has not participated in a game. This is because he fouled a ball off his foot. It appears that the veteran’s recuperation isn’t going too well.
After an MRI on Thursday night that revealed little recovery, the Yanks decided to postpone LeMahieu’s rehabilitation by a few days. According to Bryan Hoch:
“DJ LeMahieu claimed that an MRI performed yesterday night revealed a deficiency in healing, and medical professionals were uneasy about him starting a rehabilitation program. He wants to play in three to four days, but he is frustrated.
It makes sense that LeMahieu is irritated. Foot injuries might be annoying, but all he wants is to go back on the pitch and assist his ball club win games. The company is wise to take precautions in this case. He is crucial to their hopes of winning the World Series.
DJ LeMahieu being upbeat
Before Friday’s first pitch of the Yankees’ weekend series against the Tampa Bay Rays, the two-time batting champion remarked that, despite what the MRI revealed, he feels very good:
“I’m excited to go,” LeMahieu declared. “I’m eager to go play some games outside. It shouldn’t go on for too long.
Regarding Aaron Boone of the Yankees, he’s simply exercising caution because they want LeMahieu to be healthy for the long term:
Manager Aaron Boone stated, “He’s doing really well and I know he feels ready to go, but the foot specialist has weighed in.” “We want to confirm that everything is 100%. He’s almost there now. Simply put, we’re being cautious about this.
LeMahieu had a very difficult 2023, cutting a career-worst.with only fifteen home runs. Despite his improved play in the second half of the season, the 35-year-old’s campaign was forgettable. LeMahieu’s damaged big toe also kept him out of the 2022 postseason. Regretfully, injuries have been more frequent in recent years. With a 13-6 record, the Yankees are dominating the American League East and are doing quite fine without him for the time being.
The Bronx Bombers are in the middle of the pack offensively, with Juan Soto and Anthony Volpe blazing while Aaron Judge hasn’t really clicked and is batting below.200. On the mound, though, New York is outperforming everyone, registering a 3.11 ERA. Recall that they also lack their ace, Gerrit Cole.
When DJ LeMahieu returns to full strength, it will be intriguing to watch how the Yankees incorporate him back into the lineup. Their leadoff player of choice usually is LeMahieu, but Volpe is playing well right now.
If everything goes according to plan, LaMahieu should return to the Bronx in early May if he starts his rehab assignment next week. With a victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday, New York snapped a three-game losing run. Now, they’ll try to dominate the Rays, another division opponent.
The Yankees appear to be in for a successful season, and their strength will only increase upon LeMahieu and Cole’s returns.