The New York Yankees are approaching a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals with a roster shake-up that could significantly impact their playoff aspirations.
Among the notable changes, versatile infielder DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering right hip impingement. This injury has been troublesome for LeMahieu, with Yankees manager Aaron Boone noting, "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."
LeMahieu's season has been marred by injuries, including a fracture in his right foot that sidelined him for the team's first 55 games. In the 67 games he has managed to play, LeMahieu has struggled at the plate, hitting just .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs. This decline follows a season where he batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs over 136 games.
Yankees Recall Top Prospect Jasson Domínguez
In an exciting move, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, 20-year-old Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez has been a standout in the minors this season, boasting a .314 average with 11 homers and 35 RBIs across three levels. His performance post-recovery from an oblique injury on June 15 has been particularly impressive, as he has hit .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since returning on July 26.
"I think you know my thoughts on him," Boone remarked about Domínguez. "I've been a huge fan ever since I met him. Just love his makeup, his talent and he's earned this opportunity." Domínguez is set to make his major league debut at center field, batting sixth in the lineup, with additional time expected in left field despite a torn ligament in his throwing elbow last September.
Changes in the Bullpen
The Yankees have also moved to refine their bullpen by designating reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz had a limited impact with the big league club, appearing in just one game. However, he demonstrated consistency at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances.
Activation of Jon Berti
Additionally, infielder Jon Berti has been activated from the injured list after missing 90 games due to a left calf strain. Acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, Berti was hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games before collapsing in pain during a game in San Diego on May 24. His return provides a much-needed depth option for the Yankees as they enter this critical series.
Boone's strategic decisions and the team's shuffle come at a crucial time as the Yankees are striving to piece together a winning formula. With playoff hopes riding on upcoming performances, the introduction of fresh talent like Domínguez, the hope of LeMahieu’s recovery, and the sturdy addition of Berti create a dynamic scenario for the legendary franchise. Boone summed up the urgency and optimism for Domínguez's promotion by stating, "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, [he’s] really starting to be in the peak of the season and play at a high level."
As the series against the Royals looms, all eyes will be on how effectively these roster moves contribute to the Yankees' push towards the postseason.