The New York Yankees are shaking up their roster as they head into a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium.
DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering right hip impingement that has been bothering him. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the situation, 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." Despite efforts to manage the injury, the decision was made to give LeMahieu time to recover fully.
LeMahieu has struggled this season, hitting just .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs over 67 games. His performance has been hampered not just by the hip injury but also by a previous fracture in his right foot that caused him to miss New York's first 55 games. This follows a last season where he batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games. The Yankees will undoubtedly miss his presence in the lineup but hope the time off will allow him to return fully healthy.
In a significant move, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, 20-year-old Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Boone couldn't hide his enthusiasm about Domínguez, noting, "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 has had a standout season in the minors, hitting .314 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs across three levels. Despite an oblique injury that sidelined him on June 15, he returned on July 26 and batted .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since his return.
Domínguez is set to make his major league debut at center field and will bat sixth in the lineup. He will also see some time in left field, offering the Yankees flexibility in their outfield configuration. Boone emphasized that Domínguez has been "in the conversation every single day," and his performance in recent weeks has solidified his promotion. "Especially the last couple of weeks, [he's] really starting to be in the peak of the season and play at a high level," Boone added.
As part of their roster adjustments, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in just one game for New York this season, but he had a solid showing in Triple-A with a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA over 44 appearances. The bullpen shuffle is part of the broader strategy to bolster the team's chances as they approach the closing stretch of the season.
Additionally, infielder Jon Berti has been activated from the injured list after missing 90 games due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, Berti hit .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. He was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins but suffered a setback when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24.
The Yankees are clearly taking a proactive approach in adjusting their roster in preparation for the upcoming series and the remainder of the season. The additions of Domínguez and the return of Berti aim to inject fresh energy into the lineup while they manage LeMahieu's injury and shuffle their bullpen. This series against the Royals could be a pivotal moment as they strive to secure their position in the playoff race.