The New York Yankees are entering a critical three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium with a restructured roster aimed at overcoming recent struggles. Key changes include the placement of DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list and the promotion of their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
DJ LeMahieu's Injury Woes
DJ LeMahieu’s tenure on the field has been marred by injuries this season. Plagued by a lingering right hip impingement, LeMahieu’s performance has dipped, hitting just .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games. "It's been something that's been kind of lingering on him the last couple of weeks," Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented. "He's been getting treatment on it. It's kind of better some days, worse the others."
Compounding his struggles, LeMahieu missed the first 55 games of the season due to a fracture in his right foot. This setback followed a 2022 season where he batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games, a noticeable decline from his usual standards.
Jasson Domínguez: The Highly-Anticipated Call-Up
In response to LeMahieu’s absence, the Yankees have turned to their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, to infuse fresh talent into their lineup. The 20-year-old phenom has been impressive in the minors, boasting a .314 average with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three levels. Despite an oblique injury on June 15, Domínguez returned on July 26, batting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Domínguez is set to make his major league debut at center field and bat sixth. Boone is optimistic about the young outfielder’s potential, 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, "especially the last couple of weeks, [he's] really starting to be in the peak of the season and play at a high level."
Relief Pitching Adjustments
In another roster adjustment, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in just one game for New York this season, having a more active role with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he held a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances.
Jon Berti's Return
The Yankees’ bullpen will see a boost with the activation of Jon Berti from the injured list following a protracted absence due to a left calf strain. Berti missed 90 games but was productive before his injury, hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. Originally acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, Berti's season was abruptly interrupted when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter’s box in San Diego on May 24.
With these strategic roster modifications, the Yankees aim to regain their competitive edge. The fusion of experienced talent like Berti and the inclusion of promising prospects such as Domínguez could prove pivotal as they approach the series against the Royals. Boone’s balancing act of nurturing emerging talents while managing injury setbacks will undoubtedly shape the remaining course of the Yankees' season.