The New York Yankees are optimistic that DJ LeMahieu will be able to avoid being placed on the injured list despite dealing with calf tightness. LeMahieu has missed three consecutive games due to the issue, which first arose on Wednesday during a game in Chicago.
While manager Aaron Boone has stated that LeMahieu was available to come off the bench, he ultimately did not play, leaving his return to the lineup uncertain. However, Boone indicated that LeMahieu is doing well and the team is hopeful they can keep him off the injured list.
LeMahieu has been able to participate in pregame workouts over the past two days, and although he was only an emergency option on Friday, he was available on Saturday. Boone mentioned that he would have used LeMahieu if the game had gone further. When asked if LeMahieu would be in the lineup on Sunday, Boone did not confirm anything but expressed his expectation of LeMahieu’s availability.
In other news, relief pitchers Scott Effross and Lou Trivino, who are both undergoing rehab for Tommy John surgery, joined the Yankees during their series in Miami. Effross, who had the procedure last October, threw another bullpen session on Saturday. He is expected to face live hitters in September or October and should be ready for spring training.
Trivino, who underwent the surgery in May, has a longer road to recovery ahead. Aaron Judge, who has been dealing with a torn ligament in his big right toe, started in right field on Saturday despite concerns about playing on the turf. Boone stated that while the toe is not a major issue, the team is cautious about exposing Judge to the turf given his recent stretch of playing every day as the designated hitter.
Carlos Rodon, who strained his left hamstring last Sunday, threw a bullpen session for the first time since the injury. He is eligible to return from the injured list on August 22. The Yankees have also announced their rotation for the upcoming series against the Atlanta Braves, with Clarke Schmidt, Luis Severino, and Randy Vasquez expected to start.
Despite the Yankees’ struggles with injuries, they remain hopeful that LeMahieu can return to the lineup soon and avoid any long-term setbacks. The team will continue to monitor his progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure he can contribute to their playoff push.
