Maybe it was just a fleeting moment in a time machine.
It’s been almost four years since DJ Lemahieu had a four-hit game, but he delivered one at Dodger Stadium on Sunday night.
This event came just as Jazz Chisholm Jr. was nearing a return from the injury list, following a tough stretch where the team lost 15 games in a row.
And, notably, he hit two balls that soared over 100 mph.
So, that’s something, at least.
The Yankees don’t necessarily require the 36-year-old Lemahieu to transform back into his batting champion form, but a few glimpses of it could really enhance an already strong lineup.
“We had quite a long length, but putting some production there at the bottom is huge,” manager Aaron Boone remarked before they headed back home.
In the 15 games since coming off the injured list due to a calf strain, Lemahieu has managed a .239 batting average (11 hits out of 46 at-bats) with a .640 OPS, while also playing solid defense at second base.
His average exit speed is 91.8 mph, but he hasn’t hit consistently since 2019.
The rest of his teammates have had more opportunities to find their rhythm, while Lemahieu is still trying to get there.
“It feels good,” Lemahieu said. “I believe I have enough time to adjust and move forward, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop tweaking things. The game and the pitcher will let you know what you need to do.”
Lemahieu’s resurgence coincided with Chisholm’s absence in Illinois, allowing Lemahieu to comfortably return to the second base position.
Chisholm is anticipated to transition to third base, a position he learned on the fly last summer, where he played two games while on a rehabilitation assignment ahead of his expected return on Tuesday.
“I’m excited to get him back,” Lemahieu expressed. “Just figuring out where everyone fits.”
Boone didn’t delve too deeply into why Chisholm is switching positions, but he noted that the Yankees typically prefer their most athletic players in those critical spots.
This adjustment might not be permanent, as the Yankees are still assessing what Lemahieu has left.
But these next two months before the trade deadline are crucial for providing him the chance to show where he stands, whether at third or second, depending on his performance.
“I’m really happy for him,” Boone said after Lemahieu went 4-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, helping the Yankees salvage the series against the Dodgers. “We got great production from the bottom of the order. DJ put together solid at-bats, and [Oswald] Peraza also contributed well. It’s good to see DJ right in the thick of things.”
The Yankees will need to make some roster decisions to accommodate Chisholm, possibly by moving someone from Triple-A or designating Pablo Reyes.
Peraza had several key hits on the West Coast trip and has shown strong defense at third base. However, his playing time might diminish with Chisholm’s return.
Lemahieu, who is still under a $15 million contract for this season, aims to maximize his playing time in the coming weeks to demonstrate consistency following his performance on Sunday.
“It felt great to get a win. That was my primary focus, especially after recent struggles,” Lemahieu said. “Ultimately, getting that victory [on Sunday] was what mattered. I’m ready to keep rolling.”
