The New York Yankees have initiated pivotal roster changes as they brace for a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. This series is expected to be a defining moment for the team as it seeks to regain its footing in the season.
One of the significant moves involves placing DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering right hip impingement. "It's been something that's been kind of lingering on him the last couple of weeks," Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted. "He's been getting treatment on it. It's kind of better some days, worse the others." LeMahieu's season has been disrupted by injuries, having missed the team’s first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot. Even when he’s been in the lineup, his numbers have been underwhelming, hitting .204 with just two home runs and 26 RBIs in 67 games. This is a noticeable decline from his performance last season when he batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs over 136 games.
As LeMahieu steps aside for recovery, the spotlight turns to Jasson Domínguez, the Yankees’ top prospect who has been recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old Domínguez has demonstrated impressive form in the minors, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs across three levels this season. His resilience was evident as he bounced back from an oblique injury sustained on June 15, returning to the field on July 26. Since then, he has maintained an impressive .309 average with seven homers and 25 RBIs.
Domínguez's addition to the major league roster comes at a critical time, offering fresh energy and potential. "I think you know my thoughts on him. I've been a huge fan ever since I met him," Boone expressed. "Just love his makeup, his talent and he's earned this opportunity." Domínguez is set to make his major league debut playing center field and will also get opportunities in left field. His arrival is highly anticipated, not only for his current stats but for the potential boost he could bring to a team in need of reinvigoration.
In another roster adjustment, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz had limited visibility with New York this season, appearing in just one game. However, his performance with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre was solid, compiling a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA across 44 appearances.
Additionally, the Yankees welcome back Jon Berti from the injured list after he missed 90 games due to a left calf strain. Berti, who was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, had a promising start to the season, hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games before his injury. His return was marred by an unfortunate incident in San Diego on May 24, where he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box. Now recovered, his return aims to bolster the team’s agility and depth.
These roster changes manifest a broader strategy by the Yankees to optimize their lineup amid a season riddled with injuries and underperformance. Boone reflected on the decisions, stating, "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."
As the series against the Royals unfolds, all eyes will be on how these changes impact the Yankees’ performance. The integration of emerging talent like Domínguez, combined with the return of experienced players like Berti, could be the catalyst needed for the Yankees to navigate through this critical juncture in their season.