Seattle – DJ Lemahieu is set for a crucial moment in his Yankees career, possibly his last shot at a comeback.
The veteran infielder was activated from the injured list on Tuesday and will likely make his debut with the Mariners at T-Mobile Park after missing the first month and a half of the season due to injuries sustained in spring training.
There’s definitely an opportunity for Lemahieu to seize. With second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. sidelined for a few weeks, there’s a potential need for Lemahieu, alongside Oswald Cabrera, who can also play third base.
At 36, it’s hard to say how much Lemahieu has left in him, especially after a string of lower body injuries impacted his performance in recent seasons.
While he may not become a regular player at this stage, Aaron Boone hopes he can be “part of the puzzle” for the team.
“The key is health,” Boone mentioned before the series opener against the Mariners. “DJ can hit effortlessly. The challenge has been his consistent injuries that have set him back.”
“He’s having a tough year, but someone with his hitting ability, if healthy, can usually contribute later in their career. We’re really hoping he can be a key player for us.”
Lemahieu, a two-time batting champion, is nearing the end of a six-year, $90 million contract. He arrived in Seattle on Monday night.
The Yankees are showing patience with him, prepared to manage his roster spot and finances, but they know time is running out.
Recently, Lemahieu played nine consecutive games in Triple-A after missing most of spring training, utilizing a full 20-day rehab assignment.
He did face a minor setback when he received a “preemptive” cortisone shot in his right hip, but it seems to be working after just a few days.
During his rehab games in Double-A and Triple-A, he had 12 hits in 27 at-bats, achieving a .444 average and 1.093 OPS while mainly playing second base.
Between those rehab stints and live batting practices in Tampa, he got over 50 at-bats, simulating what would have been his spring training.
“He’s really intent on doing this right,” Boone said. “It started with the hip injection. I can see he’s focused; he wants to get this right, even playing through rain.”
The Yankees will need to open up a roster space for Lemahieu, potentially by designating Pablo Reyes or sending Yoruvit Viva to Triple-A.
Lemahieu joined the camp this spring determined to show he still has value. After dealing with various injuries over the last few years, including a ligament tear and fractures, he took a couple of months off hitting in the offseason to recover.
When he’s been on the field, injuries have often reduced him to a shadow of his former self—though he did manage a strong second half in 2023.
His OPS was disappointing, ranking third lowest among 226 players with at least 800 plate appearances during that span.
“I feel like he’s ready to go,” Boone stated.
