The New York Yankees are undergoing significant roster adjustments as they gear up for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. In a season where every game counts, managing player health and performance becomes critical.
DJ LeMahieu's Injury Woes
The Yankees' utility infielder DJ LeMahieu has been sidelined, placed on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement. This injury has been a nagging issue for LeMahieu over the past few weeks. "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," noted Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
LeMahieu's season has been far from ideal. He has struggled offensively, hitting just .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs in 67 games. Earlier in the year, LeMahieu missed 55 games with a right foot fracture, further disrupting his rhythm. Last season, he posted a .243 average with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs over 136 games, indicating a significant drop in productivity this year.
Jasson Domínguez Gets the Call
In light of LeMahieu's injury, the Yankees have turned to their top prospect, 20-year-old Jasson Domínguez. Recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Domínguez is expected to bring a fresh spark to the team. Boone's excitement about the young player's potential is palpable. "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 expressed.
Domínguez has been impressive in the minors, batting .314 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs across three minor league levels this season. Despite an oblique injury on June 15 that kept him out until July 26, he returned with a vengeance, hitting .309 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Boone highlighted Domínguez's growth and readiness for the major leagues: "Like I said on Sept. 1 when we didn't initially recall Jasson, he's in the conversation every single day. I think as much as anything, it's just continuing to build the momentum he's built here over the last few weeks, where we feel like, especially the last couple of weeks, really starting to be in the peak of the season and play at a high level."
Domínguez will make his major league debut at center field, batting sixth, with plans to also see some time in left field. This strategic move aims to enhance the Yankees' outfield flexibility and offensive lineup.
Anthony Misiewicz and Jon Berti Updates
In other roster moves, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz's impact this season was minimal, appearing in just one game for New York. However, he had a productive stint with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, boasting a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances.
Meanwhile, utility player Jon Berti, who missed 90 games due to a left calf strain, has been activated from the injured list. Berti was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins. Before his injury, he hit .273 with one home run and six RBIs in 17 games. His return could offer the Yankees some much-needed versatility as they navigate the latter part of the season. Berti's injury occurred in a dramatic on-field moment when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24.
As the Yankees make these critical roster adjustments, the hope is to bolster their performance and secure key victories against the Royals. With players like Jasson Domínguez stepping up and others returning from injury, the team aims to overcome the challenges posed by this injury-riddled season and make a strong push towards the playoffs.