The New York Yankees are undergoing significant roster adjustments as they embark on a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. These changes come at a pivotal moment in the season, with the team looking to regain its footing amid a series of challenges.
DJ LeMahieu, a cornerstone of the Yankees' lineup, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hip impingement. This injury has been a lingering issue for LeMahieu, as Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted, "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." LeMahieu has struggled this season, hitting .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games, after missing the first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot.
This season's performance has been a stark contrast to last year's, where LeMahieu batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games. His absence further complicates matters for the Yankees, who are already navigating an injury-plagued roster.
In a bid to invigorate their lineup, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old phenom has impressed with a .314 batting average, 11 homers, and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels this season. Despite an oblique injury on June 15 that sidelined him until July 26, Domínguez returned with vigor, batting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs since rejoining Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Domínguez's major league debut will see him taking the field at center and batting sixth in the lineup. Boone's enthusiasm for the young star is palpable: "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."
Moreover, Boone emphasized that Domínguez's call-up was a well-considered decision: "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." Domínguez will also see some playing time in left field, giving the Yankees flexibility in their outfield arrangements.
In related roster moves, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz's tenure with the Yankees has been brief; he appeared in only one game this season. However, his performance with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre showcased his capabilities, as he held a 3-2 record with a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances.
Additionally, the Yankees have activated Jon Berti from the injured list. The utility player missed 90 games due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, Berti was productive, hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. Acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, Berti's injury occurred dramatically in San Diego on May 24, when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box.
Berti's return is a welcome boost for the Yankees, who will benefit from his versatility on the field. Given the current circumstances, his comeback could not have come at a more critical time.
As the Yankees face off against the Royals, these roster shifts underscore the team's adaptive strategies amid an unpredictable season. The integration of young talent like Jasson Domínguez and the return of seasoned players like Jon Berti reflect the organization's commitment to overcoming adversity and striving for success.
Only time will tell how these changes will impact the Yankees' performance in the series and beyond. For fans and the team alike, there is a cautious optimism that these strategic moves will foster a resurgence as the season reaches its pivotal moments.