The New York Yankees are undergoing significant roster changes as they gear up for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. The alterations reflect both injuries and strategic moves aimed at enhancing the team’s performance during this critical phase of the season.
DJ LeMahieu Hits Injured List
Veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering right hip impingement. The injury has been troubling LeMahieu for the past few weeks, and despite receiving ongoing treatment, his condition has seen fluctuating improvements.
"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," explained Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
LeMahieu's performance this season has been modest at best. He has managed a .204 batting average with two home runs and 26 RBIs over 67 games. His current stint on the injured list follows a significant absence earlier in the season, when he missed New York's first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot. Last season, he posted slightly better numbers, batting .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs over 136 games.
Rookie Sensation Jasson Domínguez Joins the Ranks
In a move that has fans buzzing, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old phenom has been impressive throughout the minor leagues, boasting a .314 batting average with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs across 58 games this season. He also overcame an oblique injury sustained on June 15, returning with a bang on July 26. Since his return, Domínguez batted .309 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Boone has been vocal about his admiration for the young outfielder. "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 noted. "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 is set to make his major league debut at center field and will bat sixth in the lineup. Additionally, he will also see time in left field, providing the Yankees with much-needed versatility.
Pitching Changes: Misiewicz Designated, Berti Activated
As part of their roster shuffle, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz, who appeared in only one game for New York this season, had a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The decision to designate Misiewicz opens up space for other strategic adjustments in the bullpen.
Another significant move includes activating infielder Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti had been sidelined for 90 games because of a left calf strain. Before his injury, he had been performing well, hitting .273 with one home run and six RBIs across 17 games. Berti, who was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box during a game in San Diego on May 24.
With Berti's return and the addition of Domínguez, the Yankees are hoping to inject fresh energy into their lineup as they strive to stay competitive in the playoff race. The series against the Royals will be a crucial test for the reconfigured roster, as the team looks to find a winning combination amid these significant changes. The coming weeks will be critical for the Yankees as they navigate injuries and capitalize on the potential of their young talents.