The New York Yankees are making significant roster adjustments as they prepare for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. The lineup shakeup comes amidst the backdrop of both injuries and promising minor league talent stepping up to the plate.
DJ LeMahieu Placed on 10-Day Injured List
One of the key moves involves placing DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list due to a right hip impingement, a condition that has been troubling him for several weeks. Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented on LeMahieu’s condition, stating, "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."
The star infielder has seen limited action this season, hitting .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games. LeMahieu already missed the first 55 games of the season due to a fracture in his right foot, making his return to the injured list particularly disappointing. Last season, he posted a .243 batting average with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games.
Top Prospect Jasson Domínguez Recalled
In a move that has the fans buzzing, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, 20-year-old Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez has been a standout in the minors, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels this season.
Domínguez overcame an oblique injury sustained on June 15 but made an impressive return on July 26, batting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since his comeback. The stakes are high as Domínguez will make his major league debut at center field and bat sixth; he is also expected to see some time in left field. This move signifies the Yankees' faith in his ability to contribute at the highest level. Boone expressed his admiration, saying, "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."
Boone further elaborated on Domínguez's readiness and the timing of his promotion: "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."
Anthony Misiewicz Designated for Assignment
To make room for Domínguez on the roster, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in only one game for New York this season but had a respectable showing for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances.
Jon Berti Activated from Injured List
In other roster news, Jon Berti has been activated from the injured list after missing 90 games due to a left calf strain. The infielder, who was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, has shown promise in limited play. Before his injury, Berti hit .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games.
Berti sustained his injury in dramatic fashion on May 24 when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego. His return adds depth to the infield, and the team hopes he can quickly regain his form and contribute down the stretch.
The Yankees are navigating through a maze of injuries and fringe player performances, making these strategic changes necessary to maintain competitiveness. The integration of emerging talent like Jasson Domínguez paired with the return of key players like Jon Berti aims to bolster the roster as the season reaches its most critical juncture.
With these changes, Yankees fans have plenty to look forward to as the team continues its push towards the postseason. The coming games will be a true test of the revamped lineup's resilience and potential.