The New York Yankees are gearing up for a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium with significant roster changes that reflect the team’s determination to remain competitive.
DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering right hip impingement. LeMahieu, who has been receiving treatment for the injury, has struggled to find his form this season, batting a mere .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games. This setback comes after he missed the first 55 games of the season due to a fracture in his right foot. Last season, LeMahieu had a slightly better showing, batting .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs over 136 games.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed LeMahieu's situation, explaining, "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."
In a move signaling the future, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old phenom has been impressive in the minors, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs across three levels this season. After suffering an oblique injury on June 15, Domínguez made a strong return on July 26, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since coming back. Domínguez is set to make his major league debut playing center field and will bat sixth, with plans for him to also spend some time in left field.
Boone expressed his confidence and excitement about Domínguez, "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." He 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."
In another roster move, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz made just one appearance for New York this season, but showed promise in Triple-A, posting a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Misiewicz's departure is part of the Yankees’ ongoing adjustments to enhance their bullpen depth.
The Yankees also activated Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti, who was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, had missed 90 games due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, Berti had batted .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. His return adds depth and versatility to the Yankees’ infield options.
These roster changes underscore the Yankees' urgency as they approach the crucial series against the Royals. With LeMahieu sidelined and fresh talent like Domínguez entering the fold, the Yankees are navigating through a season marked by injuries and striving to maintain their competitive edge in the league.