The New York Yankees are undertaking significant roster adjustments as they prepare for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. The most noteworthy development centers around veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu and promising rookie Jasson Domínguez.
LeMahieu Hits the Injured List
DJ LeMahieu, a key component of the Yankees' lineup, has been placed on the 10-day injured list. The decision follows a lingering right hip impingement that has troubled him for 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," Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained.
LeMahieu's struggle with health has been evident throughout the season. He has hit just .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games this season. The veteran missed the first 55 games of the season due to a fracture in his right foot, compounding the challenges he has faced this year. Last season, he batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs over 136 games, displaying more robust performance and consistency.
Domínguez to Make Major League Debut
In a move signaling both a nod to the future and a need to reenergize the team, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old will debut in center field and bat sixth, with additional time in left field anticipated.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his admiration and high hopes for Domínguez: "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."
Domínguez has shown impressive form this season, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs across three minor league levels. Despite an oblique injury on June 15 that sidelined him until July 26, Domínguez rebounded strongly. Since his return, he has batted .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Boone highlighted Domínguez's recent surge: "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."
Additional Roster Moves
The Yankees have also made changes to their bullpen, designating reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in only one game for New York this season, but he recorded a 3-2 record with a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Furthermore, Jon Berti has been reactivated from the injured list. Berti missed 90 games due to a left calf strain, a significant loss given his acquisition in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins. Before his injury, Berti had been productive, hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. His injury occurred in dramatic fashion, as he collapsed in pain just a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24.
With these roster adjustments, the Yankees are aiming to strengthen their bid for postseason contention. As DJ LeMahieu undergoes healing, all eyes will be on Jasson Domínguez, who has the daunting task of living up to high expectations while invigorating a team eager for a late-season push.