As the New York Yankees prepare for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium, they are undergoing notable roster changes aimed at bolstering their lineup and making the necessary adjustments due to injuries and performance issues.
LeMahieu Hits the Injured List
In a significant blow to the team, DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering right hip impingement. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the ongoing issue, stating, "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."
This season, LeMahieu has struggled at the plate, batting .204 with just two homers and 26 RBIs over 67 games. His early-season performance was further hampered by a fracture in his right foot, which caused him to miss the Yankees' first 55 games. Last season, LeMahieu's contribution was more substantial, batting .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games.
Domínguez Recalled for Major League Debut
In a move that has excited Yankees fans, the team has recalled top prospect Jasson Domínguez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. At just 20 years old, Domínguez has shown tremendous potential in the minor leagues, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three different leagues this season. After recovering from an oblique injury sustained on June 15, Domínguez returned on July 26 and immediately made an impact, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Manager Aaron Boone has high hopes for the young talent, 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." Boone added that Domínguez's performance has been part of ongoing considerations within the team's management. "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."
For his major league debut, Domínguez will start at center field and bat sixth. He is also expected to see some time in left field, providing flexibility in the outfield.
Misiewicz Designated for Assignment
To make room on the roster, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in one game for New York this season but had a more significant role with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he recorded a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances.
Jon Berti Activated
The Yankees have also activated Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti missed a staggering 90 games due to a left calf strain, which all started when he collapsed in pain after a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24. Before his injury, Berti was batting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. The infielder was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, adding depth to the Yankees' lineup.
As the Yankees head into this crucial series against the Royals, these roster changes underscore their determination to stay competitive despite the setbacks they've encountered. With the loss of LeMahieu temporarily counterbalanced by the highly anticipated debut of Domínguez and the return of Berti, the Yankees are making strategic adjustments that could prove pivotal in the stretch run of the season.