The New York Yankees are making significant roster adjustments as they gear up for a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. The team has been forced to make tough decisions amid ongoing injury concerns and the pressure of maintaining competitiveness in the league.
DJ LeMahieu's Injury Woes Continue
DJ LeMahieu, a pivotal figure on the Yankees' roster, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement. LeMahieu’s injury has been a concern for several weeks, impacting his performance and availability. "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 has struggled this season, batting just .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs in 67 games. His season has been further marred by an earlier injury—a fracture in his right foot—that saw him miss the first 55 games of the season. Last year, LeMahieu's performance was significantly better, with a .243 average, 15 home runs, and 44 RBIs over 136 games.
Jasson Domínguez Makes His Major League Debut
In response to LeMahieu's absence, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez, a 20-year-old rising star, has impressed the organization with his performance in the minor leagues. This season, he batted .314 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels.
Domínguez's journey hasn't been without setbacks. An oblique injury on June 15 sidelined him until July 26, but he returned strong, posting a .309 average with seven home runs and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. "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 commented.
Domínguez is set to make his major league debut at center field, batting sixth in the lineup. Boone noted that Domínguez would also see some playing time in left field, offering flexibility to the Yankees' outfield rotation.
Anthony Misiewicz Designated for Assignment
In another roster move, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in just one game for New York this season but had a more substantial presence in the minors. For Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he maintained a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA over 44 appearances.
Jon Berti Activated From Injured List
The Yankees have also activated Jon Berti from the injured list, hoping to bolster their lineup further. Berti missed a substantial portion of the season—90 games—due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, Berti was performing well, hitting .273 with one home run and six RBIs in 17 games.
Berti was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins and looked promising early in the season. However, his momentum was abruptly halted when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24. His return brings much-needed depth and versatility to the Yankees as they navigate this critical juncture of the season.
A Team in Transition
The roster moves signify a pivotal moment for the Yankees as they regroup and strategize for the remaining season. The infusion of young talent like Jasson Domínguez, coupled with the hope that seasoned players like Jon Berti can make impactful returns, underscores the team's blend of immediate needs and long-term planning.
Manager Aaron Boone’s focus is on maintaining a competitive edge while managing the ebbs and flows of a demanding season. As Boone put it, "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."
The coming series against the Royals and the subsequent games will be a litmus test for these roster changes. The Yankees' faithful will be watching closely to see how these adjustments impact the team's performance and their quest for postseason success.