DJ LeMahieu has been in baseball limbo since March 1, when a spring training calf strain forced him out of action. For a player once known as one of the most reliable infielders in the game, being sidelined has been a frustrating experience. After nearly two months of slow, sometimes halting rehab, the veteran Yankee is finally making real progress.
LeMahieu officially began his rehab assignment on April 22 with the Double-A Somerset Patriots—and made an immediate impression. In his first few games, he hit an impressive .438 with a 1.188 OPS, including a double, a home run, and three RBIs. It was a promising sign that his bat still has life, even if he’s no longer in his prime.
However, the comeback didn’t stay smooth for long. A minor hip issue temporarily stalled his rehab, adding another hurdle to his return. Fortunately, the setback was brief, and he was back in the lineup over the weekend, continuing to work his way back into form on both sides of the ball.
Now, a recent injury to Jazz Chisholm Jr. (oblique strain) has created a new opportunity. With Chisholm likely out until June, the Yankees may shift LeMahieu back to second base, a familiar spot. According to Bryan Hoch, that’s now the team’s primary focus for LeMahieu’s return.
Next up: a rehab stint with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. If he stays on track, LeMahieu could rejoin the Yankees during their West Coast road trip, which runs through May 14 with games in Sacramento and Seattle.
Still, questions remain. LeMahieu struggled at the plate last season, posting a 52 wRC+, far below league average. The Yankees are hopeful this return isn’t a farewell tour but rather a spark of the old DJ—the steady hitter and dependable glove they’ve counted on in the past. For now, he’s back in action, and that alone gives fans and the team reason to hope.
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