DJ LeMahieu’s return to the New York Yankees has encountered another setback, this time due to inclement weather. After sustaining a left calf strain during spring training, LeMahieu had been on a promising trajectory in his rehabilitation at Triple-A and was anticipated to possibly join the Yankees for their current series. However, rainouts in his scheduled rehab games have pushed back his timeline.
YES Network’s Meredith Marakovitz reported that while there was hope for LeMahieu to participate in a rehab game, the rain caused a postponement. As a result, he may not return until the Yankees face the Seattle Mariners later in the week. This delay is particularly concerning given that fellow second baseman Jazz Chisholm, Jr. is currently on the injured list with a strained oblique, making LeMahieu’s presence in the lineup even more critical.
The Yankees have exercised caution regarding LeMahieu’s return, especially considering his age at 36 and his history of injuries, which includes a foot fracture that limited him to just 67 games last season and reduced his batting average to .204. The hope is that with an extended rehab stint, he will be fully ready to contribute when he comes back.
LeMahieu’s experience and skills are essential for a Yankees team navigating a challenging period with injuries. His return has the potential to stabilize the Yankees’ infield and enhance their performance as they look to push through the season. As fans await his comeback, the emphasis remains on ensuring he is in peak condition before returning to the majors.
In this situation, the Yankees’ careful management of LeMahieu’s rehab underscores the importance of health in the long-term success of the player and the team. Positive news may be on the horizon as LeMahieu continues to make progress.