The New York Yankees are shaking up their roster as they gear up for a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Among the significant changes is the placement of DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement.
LeMahieu has been a pivotal figure for the Yankees, though his performance has been hindered by this lingering issue. The infielder has been actively receiving treatment, yet the impingement continues to affect his game. "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," Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained.
Over the course of 67 games this season, LeMahieu has struggled to find his form, batting just .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs. Having already missed the first 55 games of the season due to a fracture in his right foot, the 2023 season has been a challenging one for LeMahieu. Last season, he posted a .243 average with 15 homers and 44 RBIs over 136 games.
In a move designed to bolster their lineup and inject fresh energy, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, 20-year-old Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez, a highly touted talent, has impressed in the minors this season, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs across three levels.
Domínguez's journey hasn't been without its own hurdles. He suffered an oblique injury on June 15, but made a triumphant return on July 26. Since then, he has maintained an impressive .309 average, with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He is set to make his major league debut at center field, batting sixth in the lineup, and will also spend some time in left field.
The Yankees are optimistic about Domínguez’s potential impact. "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 remarked. "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."
To make room for Domínguez, reliever Anthony Misiewicz has been designated for assignment. Misiewicz has seen limited action with the Yankees this season, appearing in just one game. However, he has been a consistent performer for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, posting a 3-2 record with a commendable 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances.
In another roster development, infielder Jon Berti has been activated from the injured list after missing 90 games due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, Berti hit .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. The Yankees acquired him in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, and he has been eager to return to the field since collapsing in pain just a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24.
As the Yankees integrate these changes and prepare for the upcoming series, their focus remains on performing at the highest level. With key players sidelined and fresh talent stepping in, they hope to navigate these transitions successfully and make a strong push in the season’s critical moments.