After missing the first 55 games of the season due to a non-displaced fracture of his right foot, DJ LeMahieu made his highly anticipated return to the New York Yankees lineup on Tuesday night. The two-time batting champion was activated off the 60-day injured list and found himself in an unfamiliar spot in the batting order as the Yankees took on the Los Angeles Angels.
Manager Aaron Boone decided to slot LeMahieu in the ninth spot in the lineup, a position he hadn’t seen since March 31, 2019. Despite the change, LeMahieu embraced the opportunity and expressed his excitement to be back on the field with his teammates.
“I wouldn’t change a whole lot with our offense right now. I’m looking forward to lurking down there in the bottom of the order,” LeMahieu said. “I came up hitting in the eight and nine hole. I haven’t hit there in awhile but it’s not too foreign.”
The 35-year-old infielder has a .312 batting average in the 29 games he has batted ninth during his major league career, showcasing his ability to produce regardless of where he hits in the lineup. With the Yankees boasting the best record in the American League at 37-18, LeMahieu’s return adds even more depth to an already potent lineup.
Boone praised LeMahieu’s selflessness and team-first mentality, noting that the veteran infielder’s focus is on contributing to the team’s success rather than his own personal accolades.
“He’s just excited to get back and play with this group. It is a testament to who he is,” Boone said. “This is a guy who already has had an amazing career with the Yankees and the unselfishness to completely not make it about him wasn’t surprising.”
LeMahieu returns to an offense that leads the majors in home runs, on-base percentage, and OPS, while also ranking third in batting average. Despite his struggles at the plate in recent seasons, LeMahieu’s defensive prowess and versatility make him a valuable asset for the Yankees.
“It’s just a consistent quality at bat, an elite defender. Defensive versatility too, to be able to play a few positions along the infield,” Boone said. “With the way the guys are swinging the bat as a group, it’s a chance to really make it a long lineup.”
LeMahieu, who won the AL batting title in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, is eager to contribute to the team’s success as they continue their quest for a championship. Boone plans to have LeMahieu in the lineup for the entirety of the Angels series and the upcoming series against the San Francisco Giants before giving him a couple of days off to ensure he remains healthy and productive for the long haul.
As the Yankees gear up for the second half of the season, LeMahieu’s return provides a significant boost to an already formidable lineup. With his veteran presence and proven track record, LeMahieu is poised to make a meaningful impact as the Yankees look to maintain their position atop the American League standings.