MAJOR-UPDATE: DJ LeMahieu’s Bold Comeback: I’ve Lost Sleep Over My Struggles Can the Former Batting Champion Finally Bounce Back After 4 Injury-Riddled Years?”

DJ  LeMahieu  acknowledged his struggles in recent years, echoing the frustrations many New York Yankees fans have felt. “Definitely lost a lot of sleep,” he admitted on Tuesday.

A three-time All-Star, LeMahieu has battled injuries since his standout 2020 season, which was his last fully healthy year. Approaching his 37th birthday in July, he’s determined to return to his dominant form. “For most of my career, I’d play unless my leg was cut off,” LeMahieu said. “But the last few years, it’s been constant setbacks—bumps, bruises, a foot fracture. I could play through things in the past, but now it just escalates.”

With the departure of Gleyber Torres to Detroit, Yankees manager Aaron Boone plans to shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, giving LeMahieu the opportunity to play third base. Boone remains optimistic about LeMahieu’s potential, saying, “The hit tool usually ages well, and with good health, there’s definitely a role for him—whether it’s everyday or part-time.”

LeMahieu left Colorado in 2019 to sign a $24 million, two-year deal with the Yankees and had a breakout year, hitting .364 with a 1.011 OPS during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Afterward, the Yankees secured him with a six-year, $90 million contract. However, his performance dropped in 2021 with a .268 average, and a sports hernia kept him out of the postseason.

LeMahieu’s struggles continued in 2022, as he dealt with a broken toe and ligament damage, which led to a significant slump. Since then, he has posted a .226 average, 17 home runs, and 73 RBIs in 224 games. Despite the challenges, LeMahieu remains determined to prove his critics wrong. “That’s fine,” he said about the doubts surrounding his ability to bounce back.

“I’ve faced that before. I’ll use it as motivation, but I know if I stay focused on being myself, everything will work out.” After taking a two-month break to recover, LeMahieu returned to the Yankees’ minor league complex in January, feeling good—though he knows the true test will come as the season progresses.