DJ LeMahieu, the veteran third baseman for the New York Yankees, is close to graduating to rehab games after being sidelined with a non-displaced fracture in his right foot since March. Manager Aaron Boone noted that LeMahieu has been making progress and is eager to get back into games. LeMahieu traveled with the team to Cleveland to continue his workouts and is close to being able to start rehab games soon. Boone mentioned that LeMahieu’s ability to handle lateral movement would be a key factor in his readiness to return to the field.
Boone also discussed the potential number of rehab games LeMahieu would need before rejoining the Yankees, indicating that it would depend on the training staff’s assessment. LeMahieu had only 29 plate appearances in spring training before getting injured and has not played in a game since. Boone emphasized the importance of LeMahieu being able to handle consecutive games and bounce back from longer innings as part of his rehab process.
In other injury updates for the team, Gerrit Cole, who has been dealing with elbow nerve inflammation, had a successful throwing session in The Bronx and is expected to continue throwing over the weekend. Tommy Kahnle also had a positive bullpen session in Tampa as he works his way back from a shoulder injury. Luis Gil, who was initially slated to start in a doubleheader, was available out of the bullpen for Saturday’s games, with Cody Poteet called up to start the second game. This decision was made to ensure an extra starter during a busy stretch of six games in five days.
With the need for an extra arm in the bullpen, Gil may be utilized for length or in high-pressure situations during the doubleheader. Depending on his usage on Saturday, Gil could potentially start in the series opener against Toronto on Monday or slot back into the rotation later in the week. The Yankees are carefully managing their pitching staff during this busy period to ensure that they have enough arms to cover the workload. Despite the challenges of injuries and scheduling, the team is focused on getting key players like LeMahieu back on the field as soon as possible to strengthen their lineup.
Throughout the process, LeMahieu has been diligent in his recovery and has been itching to return to game action. Boone and the coaching staff are closely monitoring his progress, especially in terms of lateral movement and overall physical readiness. The Yankees are optimistic about LeMahieu’s impending return, as his presence in the lineup would provide a significant boost to the team. As other players like Cole and Kahnle continue their rehab programs, the Yankees are hopeful that they will have a full complement of healthy players soon to navigate the challenges of a long baseball season.
As the Yankees navigate a hectic stretch of games, they are strategizing their pitching staff’s usage to maximize efficiency and keep players healthy. In the case of Gil, who was shifted from a starting role to bullpen duty for the doubleheader, the team is looking to balance his workload to ensure he can contribute effectively when called upon. The team’s depth and flexibility in managing its roster will be critical in maintaining a competitive edge throughout the season. For LeMahieu and other injured players, a gradual return to full strength is essential to avoid setbacks and ensure long-term success for the team. With LeMahieu nearing a rehab assignment, the Yankees are optimistic about having one of their key players back in action soon.
