The New York Yankees are making significant roster adjustments as they embark on a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Among the notable changes is the placement of DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list, a move driven by his ongoing battle with a persistent right hip impingement.
LeMahieu, a key player for the Yankees, has been receiving treatment for the injury, although his performance this season has been less than stellar. In 67 games, he has managed a .204 batting average, with two home runs and 26 RBIs. This follows an earlier setback when LeMahieu missed New York's first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot. Last season, he posted a .243 average with 15 homers and 44 RBIs over 136 games. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the struggles LeMahieu has faced, saying, "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."
In a bid to bolster the team's lineup, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old outfielder has been impressive in the minors, boasting a .314 batting average with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels this season. Domínguez's season was briefly interrupted by an oblique injury on June 15, but he made a strong return on July 26, batting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since then.
Domínguez's promotion comes with high expectations as he is set to make his major league debut at center field and bat sixth. Boone expressed his admiration for the young prospect, 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 will also have opportunities to showcase his skills in left field, adding versatility to the Yankees' outfield options.
To make room for Domínguez on the roster, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz made a single appearance for New York this season but was more active in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he recorded a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances. This move underscores the Yankees' commitment to enhancing their lineup with fresh talent as they push towards a critical part of the season.
In addition to these changes, the Yankees have activated infielder Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti, who missed 90 games due to a left calf strain, was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins. Prior to his injury, he hit .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. His return will be closely watched, as Boone may need to carefully monitor his game time. Berti's injury occurred in a painful moment when he collapsed just a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24.
As the Yankees navigate these roster adjustments, the integration of young talent like Domínguez and the return of experienced players like Berti could provide the necessary spark for a strong finish to the season. Boone's decisions will be under the spotlight, particularly with key players like LeMahieu sidelined. "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 remarked on the strategic call-up of Domínguez.
The upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals will serve as a critical test for the revamped roster. Yankees fans will be eager to see how the new lineup performs, with hopes that these changes will lead to crucial victories in the final stretch of the season.