**Paraphrased Version:**
New York Yankees fans collectively groaned upon learning DJ LeMahieu is sidelined yet again—this time with a calf injury just days into spring training. The frustration is palpable. Once a fan favorite after signing from the Rockies in 2019, LeMahieu electrified the Bronx with a stellar debut: an All-Star nod, Silver Slugger Award, and fourth-place MVP finish. He followed it up in 2020 by leading MLB in batting average (.364) and the AL in on-base percentage (.421) during the shortened season, earning another Silver Slugger and third-place MVP honors.
But since then, injuries and declining production have turned the infielder from a hero to a headache. Over the past four seasons, he’s battled ailments or underperformed at the plate, leaving fans—and himself—exasperated. “Are you kidding me? Is this a sick joke?” LeMahieu vented to *The New York Post* after the latest setback. “It’s discouraging. I want to be out there more than anyone.”
The Yankees’ decision to bank on LeMahieu as their starting third baseman this offseason—instead of pursuing upgrades like Nolan Arenado—now looks risky. While LeMahieu insists this calf issue isn’t serious (he’s yet to undergo an MRI), the timing is alarming: It occurred during his second spring at-bat, dashing his goal to prove he can stay healthy. With Opening Day weeks away, the Yankees face déjà vu: a $90 million infielder whose body—and bat—are increasingly unreliable. For LeMahieu, it’s another cruel twist in a career once defined by dominance.
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