The empty dugout symbolizes the recent roster changes for the Yankees.
The New York Yankees have designated infielder DJ LeMahieu for assignment, ending his seven-year tenure with the team. This decision comes amidst a challenging season marked by injuries, particularly affecting the infield lineup. LeMahieu’s substantial contract complicates the team’s financial maneuvers as they seek reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline. Manager Boone acknowledged the difficulty of letting LeMahieu go, reflecting on his contributions to the team and the clubhouse. The Yankees now aim to revamp their roster as they navigate the second half of the season.
New York – The New York Yankees have officially designated infielder DJ LeMahieu for assignment, a decision that marks the end of his seven-year tenure with the team. This move follows LeMahieu’s benching in favor of Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is shifting back to his natural position at second base after previously filling in at third.
The Yankees have faced significant challenges this season, particularly with injuries affecting their infield lineup. Utility player Oswaldo Cabrera is anticipated to miss the remainder of the season due to a left ankle fracture. With Chisholm Jr. returning to second base, the team’s manager Aaron Boone noted that infielder Jorbit Vivas, Oswald Peraza, and potentially J.C. Escarra will be rotated at third base to fill the gap left by LeMahieu.
As the trade deadline approaches, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman stated that the organization is actively seeking upgrades for their infield, rotation, and bullpen. The decision to designate LeMahieu for assignment reflects the team’s need to make significant improvements before the July 31 deadline.
LeMahieu is still owed approximately $22 million through the next season, which complicates the team’s financial situation while searching for reinforcements. Manager Boone indicated that LeMahieu did not handle the demotion well but did not formally request his release from the team.
At the age of 37, LeMahieu has struggled with injuries over the last few seasons. This season, he has a batting average of .266 and a .674 OPS over 45 games. However, since June 1, he has shown signs of improvement, hitting .310 with a .754 OPS. Despite this uptick, Cashman mentioned that LeMahieu’s defensive liabilities contributed significantly to the decision to DFA him.
Looking at LeMahieu’s recent performance reveals a troubling trend for the Yankees. Over the past two years, he has slumped to a batting average of .237 and a .665 OPS in 248 games. In contrast, during his first four seasons with New York, he averaged .296 with an impressive .806 OPS, showcasing the steep decline in his play.
The Yankees’ decision comes during a tough stretch for the team, exacerbated by the absence of starting pitchers Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt for the rest of the season. This situation has put additional pressure on Boone and the team’s management to make quick adjustments in the lineup.
Boone expressed that the choice to part ways with LeMahieu was not an easy one, admitting the infielder’s significant contributions to the team and his reputational standing within the clubhouse. As the Yankees navigate the rest of the season, this move may serve as a signal of their intentions to revamp both their infield and overall roster in the quest for an improved performance in the second half of the season.
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