DJ LeMahieu’s Return Delayed Due to Weather Issues

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — DJ LeMahieu‘s return to the New York Yankees is slightly delayed due to weather complications affecting his rehab games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The infielder was originally scheduled to play Tuesday and Wednesday, with a potential activation planned for the start of the series against the Oakland Athletics.

However, Tuesday’s game was rained out, and subsequent games were also canceled due to rain on Thursday and Friday. If LeMahieu can play Saturday and Sunday, he could be activated for the series that begins in Seattle on Monday.

During his rehab assignment, LeMahieu has played seven games with Double-A Somerset and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, posting a strong performance of 9-for-19 with two walks, one home run, and one double. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about LeMahieu’s progress, stating, ‘The biggest thing I want is for him to be able to establish a role.’ Boone added that the best-case scenario would see LeMahieu return to his batting champion form.

LeMahieu, who struggled with injuries last season, including issues with his hip and foot, was sidelined early this spring due to a calf strain. He also required a cortisone shot during his rehab, which Boone described as a ‘preemptive’ measure to ensure his readiness.

The Yankees, currently missing Jazz Chisholm Jr., will greatly benefit from LeMahieu’s return. Once activated, he is expected to play primarily at second base, modifying the playing time for Jorbit Vivas, Oswald Peraza, or Pablo Reyes.

Boone also made strategic lineup choices, opting to sit lefty Cody Bellinger against righty Osvaldo Bido. Trent Grisham took the lead-off position, while Ben Rice served as the designated hitter, and Jasson Domínguez played left field. Boone remarked, ‘I kind of got five or six guys for five or four spots.’

Austin Wells also took a day off after playing three consecutive games against the Padres. J.C. Escarra caught Will Warren during this time, and Wells is expected to start on Saturday.

It marks the Yankees’ first visit to California‘s capital, a region Boone described as ‘purgatory’ for the A’s. Boone, a California native, shared positive initial thoughts about Sacramento after dining there with his coaching staff on Thursday night.