As the New York Yankees gear up for a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium, significant roster changes are underway, marking a pivotal moment in their season.
DJ LeMahieu Hits the Injured List
DJ LeMahieu, one of the team's key players, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement. The injury has been a lingering issue for LeMahieu over the past weeks, with Yankees manager Aaron Boone noting, "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."
LeMahieu's performance this season has been hampered by this injury, as he has managed to hit only .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games. Additionally, LeMahieu had already missed New York's first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot. Last season, he batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs across 136 games.
Jasson Domínguez Makes His Major League Debut
In exciting news for the Yankees and their fans, the team has recalled Jasson Domínguez, their top prospect, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. At just 20 years old, Domínguez has shown tremendous promise in the minor leagues, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three different levels this season.
Domínguez's trajectory was briefly interrupted by an oblique injury on June 15, but he made a strong comeback on July 26. Since his return, he has batted .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Boone expressed his confidence in the young player, stating, "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 is set to make his major league debut playing center field and batting sixth. His versatility will also see him spend some time in left field. Boone's eagerness to bring Domínguez into the fold was evident when he said, "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."
Other Roster Moves
In related moves, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in only one game for New York this season, but he has a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. This decision reflects the Yankees' intent to shake up their bullpen and provide opportunities for other players as they strive for optimal performance during the crucial stretch of the season.
Additionally, Jon Berti has been activated from the injured list after missing 90 games due to a left calf strain. Berti, who was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, hit .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games before his injury. His return adds depth and experience to the roster. Berti had a memorable moment of adversity earlier in the season when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24.
The infusion of new talent alongside the return of seasoned players could be the boost the Yankees need as they navigate the remainder of the season. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies like Domínguez, the Yankees are setting their sights on finishing the season strong, starting with their series against the Kansas City Royals.