The New York Yankees are making substantial roster adjustments as they gear up for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. The changes come as the team grapples with injuries and looks to inject fresh talent into the lineup.
LeMahieu Hits the IL
DJ LeMahieu, a key player for the Yankees, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a recurring right hip impingement. The injury has been troublesome for LeMahieu for several weeks. Manager Aaron Boone commented on the situation, 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."
LeMahieu's 2023 season has been marred by injuries. He has only managed to hit .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games. This comes after missing the first 55 games of the season due to a fracture in his right foot. Last season, LeMahieu batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games. The Yankees are certainly feeling his absence and hoping for a speedy recovery.
Jasson Domínguez Steps Up
In a move aimed at bolstering their roster, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old phenom has been nothing short of spectacular in the minors, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels this season. Domínguez did face a setback when he suffered an oblique injury on June 15 but made a remarkable return on July 26, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since then.
Manager Aaron Boone has high expectations for the young outfielder. "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 said. Domínguez will make his major league debut at center field and bat sixth. Additionally, he will also spend some time in left field, providing the Yankees with versatility in their outfield.
Anthony Misiewicz Designated for Assignment
To make room for Domínguez, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz's stint with the Yankees was brief; he appeared in just one game this season. However, he had a solid season with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, recording a 3-2 record with a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances. The move underscores the Yankees' current focus on nurturing young talent to make an impact during this critical juncture of the season.
Jon Berti Returns
The Yankees are also set to benefit from the return of Jon Berti, who has been activated from the injured list after missing 90 games due to a left calf strain. Berti was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins. Before his injury, he was hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. His injury occurred on May 24 in San Diego when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box.
Berti's return provides the Yankees with added depth and experience. Although he only appeared in a limited number of games before his injury, his presence in the lineup adds another layer of offensive capability as the Yankees aim to strengthen their position in the standings.
The series against the Kansas City Royals holds significant importance for the Yankees as they aim to make a strong push towards postseason contention. With these roster changes, they are sending a clear message of intent.
Jasson Domínguez's debut is eagerly anticipated and could be a game-changer for the Yankees. As Boone emphasized, "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."
All eyes will be on Yankee Stadium to see how these roster moves influence the team's performance in this crucial series and beyond.