As the New York Yankees prepare for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium, they’ve made significant changes to their roster, reflecting the urgency of the moment.
DJ LeMahieu Faces Injury Setback
The Yankees will have to navigate this crucial period without DJ LeMahieu, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hip impingement that has lingered for several weeks. “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,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
LeMahieu’s performance this season has been modest, as he has batted .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs in 67 games. His struggles began early when a fracture in his right foot kept him out for New York's first 55 games. Last season, LeMahieu managed to play 136 games, batting .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs.
Top Prospect Jasson Domínguez Gets the Call
In response to LeMahieu’s absence and the need to inject youthful energy into the lineup, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old has shown promise in the minors, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs over 58 games across three minor league levels this season.
Domínguez’s return from an oblique injury on June 15 has been marked by impressive performance. Since rejoining the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre lineup on July 26, he has batted .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs. Boone is enthusiastic about Domínguez's potential, saying, “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 make his major league debut as the center fielder, batting sixth. He is also expected to see some time in left field. This marks a significant step for the young player, who overcame a ligament tear in his throwing elbow last September.
Anthony Misiewicz Designated for Assignment
To accommodate the roster adjustments, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in just one game for New York this season, though he had a solid record with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, compiling a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA over 44 appearances.
Jon Berti Activated
Adding to the shuffle, the Yankees have activated Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti had been sidelined for 90 games with a left calf strain after collapsing in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24. Before his injury, Berti batted .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games.
Berti, who was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, will look to re-establish his presence. His return is a welcome development for a Yankees team seeking stability and depth as they navigate the critical stretch ahead.
Managerial Optimism Amid Changes
Manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic despite the upheavals. “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, underscoring the decision to bring up Domínguez.
The Yankees hope that the blend of seasoned players like LeMahieu and emerging talents like Domínguez will provide the spark they need to succeed in this crucial series and beyond. With the adjustments to their roster, every game at this juncture becomes critical for the Yankees as they look to solidify their position and make a strong push towards the postseason.