The New York Yankees are set to face the Kansas City Royals in a pivotal three-game series at Yankee Stadium, and they are making significant roster adjustments in anticipation. These changes are headlined by the 10-day injured list placement of DJ LeMahieu, who is struggling with a persistent right hip impingement.
Manager Aaron Boone shed light on LeMahieu's condition, stating, "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." The injury has clearly impacted LeMahieu’s performance at the plate where he has hit .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs in just 67 games this season. His season was further disrupted by missing the Yankees’ first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot.
Despite a challenging season, LeMahieu’s absence leaves a void in the lineup, one that the Yankees hope their top prospect Jasson Domínguez can help fill. The 20-year-old Domínguez has been called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after an impressive run in the minors. Across three different minor league levels this season, he has hit .314 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs over 58 games. After returning from an oblique injury on July 26, Domínguez continued his hot streak, batting .309 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Boone expressed his admiration for the young talent, saying, "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." Domínguez is slated to make his major league debut at center field and will bat sixth, with additional expectations to see some time in left field. This move represents a significant moment for the Yankees as Domínguez has been recognized as one of their top prospects and is expected to bring a surge of youthful energy to the team.
In a corresponding move, reliever Anthony Misiewicz has been designated for assignment. Misiewicz had appeared in only one game for New York this season but had more notable success with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he held a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA over 44 appearances.
Additionally, the Yankees are seeing the return of Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti had been sidelined for 90 games due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, Berti was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins and had hit .273 with one home run and six RBIs across 17 games. His injury occurred dramatically on May 24 in San Diego, where he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box. Now activated, Berti aims to regain his early-season form and contribute to the Yankees' push towards the playoffs.
These moves underscore the Yankees’ attempts to balance the blend of seasoned players and budding prospects amidst the intense pressure of the latter part of the season. Boone’s approach suggests a mix of cautious optimism and strategic planning, signaling a crucial phase for the team as they navigate their current roster challenges. As the Yankees prepare to battle the Royals, all eyes will be on Jasson Domínguez and his eagerly anticipated major league debut, as well as Jon Berti’s potential impact. The roster changes might well define the Yankees' prospects for the remainder of the season as they strive to overcome injuries and ignite a successful playoff run.