The New York Yankees are setting their sights on rejuvenating their lineup as they brace for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. The team has made notable roster changes, starting with placing DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement.
LeMahieu, who has been receiving ongoing treatment for the injury, has seen limited success this season, batting .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs over 67 games. His contributions have been hindered not only by the hip issue but also by a previous fracture in his right foot, which caused him to miss the team's first 55 games. Last season, LeMahieu managed a .243 average with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs across 136 games.
"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 commented on LeMahieu's condition.
To fill the gap left by LeMahieu, the Yankees have turned to their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez. The 20-year-old phenom has been called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and is expected to make his major league debut playing center field and batting sixth. Domínguez has shown promise in the minors, batting .314 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs across three levels this season. Despite an oblique injury in mid-June, he returned to action in late July and maintained impressive numbers, batting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Boone has high hopes for Domínguez, praising both his talent and character. "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 stated. The Yankees manager emphasized that Domínguez's recent performances had kept him in daily discussions regarding the team's roster. "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," Boone elaborated.
Meanwhile, the team has also designated relief pitcher Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz's brief stint with New York saw him appear in only one game, while he had a considerably more active role in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. There, he achieved a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA over 44 appearances, showcasing his skills and reliability.
Additionally, the Yankees have activated Jon Berti from the injured list, marking his return after missing 90 games due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, Berti hit .273 with one home run and six RBIs in 17 games. The 33-year-old utility player, acquired in a spring training trade from the Miami Marlins, experienced a setback on May 24 in San Diego, collapsing in pain just a few steps out of the batter's box, which further delayed his return to the lineup.
As the Yankees forge ahead with these significant roster adjustments, the upcoming series against the Royals will be a critical test. With LeMahieu sidelined, all eyes will be on Domínguez, whose debut might just provide the spark the team needs. Boone's confidence in his young prospect underscores the importance of this moment for both the player and the franchise. Amid a season riddled with injuries and unexpected challenges, the Yankees are relying on fresh talent and the return of experienced players like Berti to make a crucial impact.