Heading into a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees are making significant roster changes. A mix of injuries and strategic moves are reshaping the lineup as the team navigates a difficult stretch of the season.
DJ LeMahieu to IL
In a move that underscores the Yankees' recent injury troubles, DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list. The versatile infielder is battling a lingering right hip impingement that has affected his performance over the past few weeks. According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone: "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 numbers have been a reflection of his struggles this season. In the 67 games he's managed to play, he has a .204 batting average with two home runs and 26 RBIs. This follows a challenging start to the season, where he missed the first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot. Last year, LeMahieu’s performance was more robust, hitting .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs over 136 games.
Jasson Domínguez Gets the Call
In an exciting development, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old outfielder has been tearing up the minor leagues, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels this season. Domínguez, who overcame an oblique injury on June 15 and returned with a vengeance on July 26, posted a .309 average with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since his return.
Highly regarded and much anticipated, Domínguez will make his major league debut playing center field and will bat sixth. Boone shared his thoughts on the young talent: "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." He will also see time in left field, adding versatility to his role.
There's been significant anticipation regarding Domínguez's promotion. Boone commented on the internal discussions: "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 these changes, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz, who appeared in only one game for New York this season, had a record of 3-2 with a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. His departure marks another shift as the Yankees look to optimize their bullpen for the concluding months of the season.
Jon Berti Activated
In another roster adjustment, Jon Berti has been activated from the injured list. Berti, who missed 90 games due to a left calf strain, had been 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 return adds much-needed depth to the Yankees' lineup. Berti's injury occurred in a dramatic fashion as he collapsed in pain just steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24.
As the Yankees prepare to take on the Royals, these moves signify a clear strategy to balance experienced players dealing with injuries and young prospects eager to prove themselves at the major league level. The coming series is particularly crucial as New York aims to stay competitive and make a push for the postseason. With LeMahieu’s experience sidelined and Domínguez’s energy stepping in, the Yankees are setting the stage for an exciting and pivotal showdown at Yankee Stadium.