As the New York Yankees prepare for a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium, significant roster changes have been made to the team. In a bid to solidify their position and navigate through injuries, the Yankees are tapping into their talent pipeline while also making necessary substitutions.
DJ LeMahieu Placed on Injured List
A major development involves the versatile DJ LeMahieu, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering right hip impingement. This injury has been a nagging issue for LeMahieu over the past few weeks. "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," noted Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
LeMahieu's performance this season has been undercut by injuries, batting .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs in 67 games. His season began with a setback, missing the first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot. Last season, he hit .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games, demonstrating his impact when fully fit.
Jasson Domínguez Called Up
In a move that signals both future promise and immediate need, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old has been making waves in the minor leagues, batting an impressive .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels this season. Despite an oblique injury on June 15, which saw him return only on July 26, Domínguez has continued to shine, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since his return.
Manager Aaron Boone is highly optimistic about Domínguez's potential. "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," Boone said. Domínguez is set to make his major league debut at center field and will bat sixth, with planned appearances in left field as well.
Anthony Misiewicz Designated for Assignment
To accommodate these changes, 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, during his stint with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Misiewicz recorded a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances, illustrating his reliable presence in the bullpen at the minor league level.
Jon Berti Activated from Injured List
The Yankees are also bolstering their roster with the return of Jon Berti, who has been activated from the injured list. Berti missed a significant portion of the season, a total of 90 games, due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, Berti was a steady contributor, hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. Acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, Berti's return adds depth and experience to the Yankees' lineup. Notably, Berti's injury was dramatic, as he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24.
Strategic Shifts
With these strategic shifts, the Yankees are clearly aiming to manage their immediate challenges while investing in their future. The recall of Domínguez, in particular, reflects a nod to the younger talent rising through their system and a determination to remain competitive despite the injury setbacks that have impacted key players like LeMahieu and Berti.
Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the ongoing conversation and momentum behind Domínguez's promotion. "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," Boone explained.
As the Yankees gear up for their upcoming series against the Royals, these moves underscore a proactive approach to managing the roster. With LeMahieu recovering and the infusion of young talent like Domínguez, the team is poised to navigate the season's challenges and capitalize on opportunities ahead.