DJ LeMahieu Set to Return to Yankees After Long Injury Layoff

SEATTLE — DJ LeMahieu is set to make his long-awaited return to the New York Yankees. The veteran infielder is expected to be activated off the injured list on Tuesday and start at second base on Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. LeMahieu has missed the first month and a half of the season due to a calf strain he sustained in spring training.

The Yankees have a clear need for LeMahieu as Jazz Chisholm Jr. is on the injured list for several more weeks. Additionally, the team is facing uncertainty regarding the availability of rookie Oswald Cabrera at third base. Now, the 36-year-old LeMahieu has a chance to demonstrate how much he can contribute after battling multiple lower-body injuries in recent seasons.

Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ manager, expressed hope for LeMahieu’s impact. “The biggest thing is health,” he said. “DJ could fall out of bed and hit. The main issue has been the nagging injuries that have slowed him down. Obviously, he’s older now, but if he stays healthy, I expect him to contribute significantly.”

LeMahieu, a two-time batting champion, has been on a six-year, $90 million contract and was scheduled to arrive in Seattle on Monday night. The Yankees have been patient with him, hesitant to release him and free up a roster spot. However, the clock is ticking on his opportunities.

For his rehabilitation, LeMahieu played back-to-back nine-inning games at Triple-A over the weekend, hitting 12-for-27 (.444) with a 1.093 OPS during his rehab stint. He has undergone a cortisone injection in his hip but only missed a few days before returning to action.

As Boone noted, LeMahieu has logged over 50 at-bats in simulated games, mirroring a full spring training to prepare for his comeback. “I feel like he’s wanted to really make sure he gets this right,” Boone said about LeMahieu’s preparation. “He understands how important this last month has been in making sure he’s ready.”

The Yankees will need to create a roster spot for LeMahieu, potentially designating Pablo Reyes for assignment or optioning Jorbit Vivas to Triple-A. With the team gearing up for the second half of the season, all eyes will be on LeMahieu as he attempts to reclaim his place in the lineup.

“I feel like he’s ready to go,” Boone concluded, “and hopefully ready to contribute.”