New York Yankees' DJ LeMahieu grounded out in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. The Yankees made a significant move in mid-January 2021 by re-signing LeMahieu to a six-year, $90 million contract following a quiet offseason post a loss in the Division Series to the Rays.
LeMahieu's initial two seasons with the Yankees were impressive after a less successful stint with the Rockies. His standout performance led to the Yankees securing him on a two-year, $24 million deal in January 2019, a move that proved to be a bargain. Rockies owner Dick Monfort even admitted that letting LeMahieu go was a mistake.
However, LeMahieu's recent performance has been impacted by a right foot injury sustained in August 2022. The injury resurfaced just a week before the season opener, raising concerns about his availability for opening day and potential impact on his performance throughout the season.
Since his standout seasons, LeMahieu's batting average has declined, dropping from .268 in 2021 to .243 last season. His slugging percentage has also decreased significantly. The Yankees have described his current foot injury as a significant bone bruise or contusion, the same foot that caused him to miss the 2022 playoffs due to toe inflammation.
Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of not rushing LeMahieu back to the field to prevent further complications. The Yankees are already facing challenges with Gerrit Cole's absence for at least the first month and are relying on several players to bounce back from subpar performances due to injuries.
Despite concerns about LeMahieu's foot, the timing of the injury is considered better than his previous toe injury in August 2022, which significantly impacted his performance. The team is hopeful that LeMahieu's stint on the injured list will be brief, allowing him to return to full productivity once he recovers.
