The New York Yankees have announced a series of significant roster moves as they prepare for a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Among the most notable changes is the placement of DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement.
LeMahieu, who has been receiving treatment for the injury, has struggled offensively this season. He has hit .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs over 67 games. His season has been marred by injuries, including a fracture in his right foot that caused him to miss the Yankees' first 55 games. Last season, LeMahieu batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented on LeMahieu's condition: "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."
In a strategic move, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez, a 20-year-old sensation, has been showing immense potential in the minor leagues. This season, he has batted .314 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels. Since returning from an oblique injury on June 15 and rejoining his team on July 26, Domínguez has further impressed, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Boone expressed high expectations for Domínguez: "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." He further elaborated, "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 is set to make his major league debut at center field and will bat sixth in the lineup. The Yankees also plan to utilize his versatility by having him spend some time in left field. Domínguez's talent will be a significant boost for the Yankees as they navigate through this critical juncture of the season.
In addition to these changes, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in just one game for New York this season but had a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Another player rejoining the Yankees roster is Jon Berti, who has been activated from the injured list. Berti missed 90 games due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, he batted .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. Berti, who was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, suffered the injury on May 24 in San Diego, collapsing in pain just a few steps out of the batter's box.
As the Yankees gear up for their series against the Royals, these roster moves are expected to play a crucial role. The team will undoubtedly feel the absence of LeMahieu, but the addition of fresh talent like Domínguez and the return of Berti provide renewed hope and excitement. Boone and the Yankees are counting on this mix of veteran presence and youthful energy to spark a resurgence and propel the team into a dominating position.