The New York Yankees are set for a pivotal series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium, and significant roster changes are marking the occasion. Notably, DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement.
LeMahieu has struggled with the injury for several weeks, receiving consistent treatment. "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. Despite the treatments, LeMahieu's performance this season has been underwhelming, hitting just .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games. It's been a challenging season for him, especially after missing the first 55 games due to a fractured right foot.
In response to LeMahieu's injury, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old has shown immense promise, hitting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs across three minor league levels this season. His return from an oblique injury on July 26 has seen him maintain an impressive .309 batting average with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Speaking about Domínguez, Boone expressed his enthusiasm: "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 slated to make his major league debut at center field and bat sixth in the lineup, adding another layer of excitement for Yankees fans. Boone also mentioned that Domínguez would spend some time in left field, demonstrating the club's confidence in his versatility.
The roster adjustments didn’t stop there. Reliever Anthony Misiewicz has been designated for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in just one game for New York this season but had a solid track record in Triple-A, holding a 3-2 record with a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Another noteworthy update is the activation of Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti missed a significant portion of the season, 90 games in total, due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, Berti was hitting a respectable .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. Acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, Berti's tenure with the Yankees was marred by an incident on May 24 in San Diego, where he collapsed in pain just a few steps out of the batter’s box.
The Yankees’ decision to shake up the roster comes at a crucial time as they prepare for their series against the Royals. Boone explained the strategic decisions: "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, [he is] really starting to be in the peak of the season and play at a high level."
The upcoming games are critical for the Yankees, and these changes reflect the urgency felt within the organization. The addition of a promising young talent like Domínguez alongside the return of an experienced player like Berti could provide the spark needed to navigate this crucial stretch. The team's strategic moves highlight their commitment to adapt and strive for success, despite the hurdles posed by injuries and performance challenges.