As the New York Yankees gear up for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium, significant roster changes mark a new chapter in their season. These adjustments arrive amidst hopes of finding a winning formula that has eluded them for much of the season.
DJ LeMahieu Heads to Injured List
DJ LeMahieu, a stalwart of the Yankees lineup, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement. The injury has been a relentless issue for the infielder, who has been receiving treatment regularly. Yankees manager Aaron Boone shed light on the situation, 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 marks another setback for LeMahieu, who missed the first 55 games of the season due to a fracture in his right foot. In his limited 67-game appearance this season, LeMahieu has batted .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs, a stark contrast to his performance last season when he hit .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs across 136 games.
Jasson Domínguez's Highly-Anticipated Debut
In a move that has fans buzzing, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, 20-year-old Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez brings with him an impressive minor league resume, having batted .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three levels this season. Despite an oblique injury on June 15 that sidelined him until July 26, Domínguez returned to post remarkable numbers, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Boone expressed his enthusiasm for the young prospect, 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 is set to make his major league debut at center field and will bat sixth. Boone added, "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." He is also expected to see some time in left field, adding versatility to the Yankees' outfield.
Additional Roster Moves
The Yankees have decided to designate reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz, who appeared in just one game for New York this season, had a commendable record with a 3-2 and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. This move clears a spot on the roster as the Yankees continue to shuffle their bullpen setup.
Jon Berti's Return Could Bolster the Lineup
Another welcome addition to the Yankees roster is the activation of Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti, who missed 90 games due to a left calf strain, was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins. Before his injury, he showcased potential, hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. His return could provide a much-needed boost to the Yankees' infield versatility. Berti's injury occurred in a dramatic fashion when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24.
With these roster changes, the Yankees are poised to test new dynamics as they face the Royals. The juxtaposition of seasoned veterans and energized young talent like Domínguez sets the stage for an intriguing series, and fans will be watching closely to see how these moves impact the team's performance in the days ahead.