The New York Yankees are shaking up their roster as they face a critical three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. The team has made several notable changes, headlined by the placement of utility infielder DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement.
DJ LeMahieu’s Struggles
DJ LeMahieu, who has been a consistent performer for the Yankees, has been struggling with this injury for several weeks. Manager Aaron Boone commented on the issue, saying, "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." This season, LeMahieu has hit .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs in 67 games. Earlier in the season, he missed the first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot. Last year, LeMahieu batted .243 with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs in 136 games.
Youth and Promise: Jasson Domínguez
In a move that underscores the Yankees’ commitment to their future, the team has recalled their top prospect, 20-year-old Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez has been impressive in the minors, batting .314 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels this season. He recently overcame an oblique injury sustained on June 15, returning on July 26 and batting .309 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since his return.
Domínguez is set to make his major league debut in center field and will bat sixth in the lineup. Boone expressed his admiration for the young talent, stating, "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." This debut arrives at a pivotal moment for the Yankees, who are balancing the pressure of immediate success with the nurturing of future stars. Boone added, "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."
Pitching Changes: Anthony Misiewicz
The Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz's time with the Yankees was brief, appearing in just one game this season. However, he posted a solid 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA over 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, showing potential that the Yankees may hope to reclaim elsewhere.
Return of Jon Berti
Additionally, the Yankees have Activating Jon Berti from the injured list after he missed a staggering 90 games due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, Berti showcased his skills, hitting .273 with one home run and six RBIs in 17 games. Acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, Berti's return adds depth and versatility to the Yankees' roster. His injury occurred dramatically on May 24 in San Diego, where he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box.
Conclusion
The Yankees’ roster adjustments underscore a blend of experience and youthful promise as they head into this critical series. With DJ LeMahieu sidelined, all eyes will be on Jasson Domínguez as he steps onto the major league stage for the first time. The return of Jon Berti offers hope for stabilizing a squad impacted by injuries. As they face the Royals, the Yankees are looking to leverage these changes to stay competitive and build momentum for the rest of the season.