The New York Yankees are reshuffling their lineup as they head into a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. With the season's fate hanging in the balance, the team is making strategic changes aimed at bolstering both their batting and pitching lineups.
DJ LeMahieu Heads to Injured List
DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement. This issue has lingered over the past couple of weeks, leading to inconsistent performances and continuous treatment. Manager Aaron Boone commented on LeMahieu's condition, stating, "It's been something that's been kind of lingering on him the last couple of weeks. He's been getting treatment on it. It's kind of better some days, worse the others."
The 34-year-old infielder has struggled this season. In the 67 games he's played, LeMahieu has hit just .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs. This setback is particularly frustrating for the player, who had missed the first 55 games of the season due to a fracture in his right foot. Last year, LeMahieu managed a .243 batting average across 136 games, hitting 15 home runs and recording 44 RBIs.
Yankees Call Up Top Prospect Jasson Domínguez
To compensate for LeMahieu’s absence, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, 20-year-old Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez has been a standout performer in the minors, boasting a .314 batting average with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs over 58 games this season. His return from an oblique injury on June 15 saw him hitting .309, including seven home runs and 25 RBIs, an impressive rebound that evidently convinced the Yankees' management to bring him up to the majors.
Domínguez will make his major league debut in center field and will bat sixth in the lineup. Boone didn't shy away from expressing his confidence in the young talent, saying, "I think you know my thoughts on him. I've been a huge fan ever since I met him. Just love his makeup, his talent and he's earned this opportunity."
Boone also clarified that Domínguez would not be locked into one position, noting that he would see some time in left field as well, giving the team more flexibility. This move aims to maximize Domínguez's impact on the field as he transitions to the major league level.
Reliever Moves: Anthony Misiewicz Designated for Assignment
In another roster change, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz made a solitary appearance for New York this season but had compiled a respectable record with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, going 3-2 with a 3.33 ERA over 44 appearances. This move appears to be part of a broader strategy to optimize the bullpen's performance heading into the latter stages of the season.
Jon Berti Activated from Injured List
The Bronx Bombers have also activated Jon Berti from the injured list, adding another layer of depth to their lineup. Berti missed a staggering 90 games due to a left calf strain, an injury that had sidelined him since late May. During his limited action before the injury, Berti hit .273 with one home run and six RBIs in just 17 games.
Berti was acquired from the Miami Marlins during spring training but had an untimely collapse in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24. His return brings anticipation as to how quickly he can regain his early form and contribute to the Yankees' push for the playoffs.
As the Yankees prepare to take on the Kansas City Royals, these roster adjustments highlight the team's commitment to navigating an injury-riddled season while remaining competitive. Boone and the management are evidently focused on creating a dynamic and flexible lineup that maximizes the abilities of both their veterans and promising prospects. The series against the Royals will be a testament to whether these changes can spur the Yankees toward a strong finish in the latter part of the season.