Oswaldo Cabrera started at first base for the Yankees with another right-hander on the mound for St. Louis, while DJ LeMahieu was on the bench in a 6-5 loss. LeMahieu has been struggling, not recording an extra-base hit since August 8th, despite his efforts. He has the fourth-lowest OPS among hitters with at least 220 plate appearances but remains determined to make adjustments and contribute to the team. With Anthony Rizzo expected to return to the lineup and Jazz Chisholm Jr. likely entrenched at third base, LeMahieu’s future with the team is uncertain.
LeMahieu expressed that he is not discouraged or feeling sorry for himself and is focused on moving forward. He mentioned that he is willing to adjust his role as needed and has not had any conversations with the organization about his future with the team. As rosters are set to expand, LeMahieu is prepared to help the team in whatever way he can despite his struggles at the plate. With significant money remaining on his contract after this season, the Yankees will have to make tough decisions regarding the 36-year-old’s role on the team.
Following the decision to start Cabrera at first base, it is evident that the Yankees are exploring other options due to Ben Rice’s struggles at the plate. Rice has been sent back to Triple-A before, and with Rizzo’s return and Jon Berti potentially coming back from injury, LeMahieu might continue to see reduced playing time. Despite the challenges, LeMahieu remains focused on making necessary adjustments to improve his performance and help the team succeed. He acknowledged the inconsistency in his performance and expressed a desire to be prepared at the plate.
LeMahieu’s determination to make changes at the plate is evident, despite the lack of positive outcomes. He emphasized the difficulty of dealing with inconsistency and expressed a willingness to make adjustments. While facing struggles in his performance, LeMahieu continues to work towards finding solutions and staying focused. Despite the uncertainties surrounding his future role on the team, LeMahieu remains committed to contributing in any way possible. With upcoming roster expansions and potential changes in the lineup, LeMahieu’s ability to adapt and contribute will be crucial for the Yankees moving forward.
