The New York Yankees are undergoing a series of roster adjustments as they prepare for a critical three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium.
The team has placed DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement. "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," manager Aaron Boone explained. The injury has clearly affected LeMahieu's performance; this season, he has hit just .204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs over 67 games. It’s worth noting that LeMahieu missed the Yankees’ first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot. Last season, he batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games.
In response, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. At just 20 years old, Domínguez has shown remarkable promise. This season, he has hit .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels. After returning from an oblique injury on July 26, he's managed to maintain an impressive form, batting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a short span.
Boone expressed high praise for Domínguez, noting, "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." Domínguez is set to make his major league debut in center field, and he will be positioned sixth in the batting order. Additionally, he is expected to spend some time in left field. Boone also mentioned, "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."
The Yankees have also made changes to their bullpen, designating reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz only appeared in one game for New York this season. In the minor leagues, he compiled a notable record of 3-2 with a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
In addition, Jon Berti has been activated from the injured list after dealing with a left calf strain that sidelined him for 90 games. Prior to his injury, Berti was hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. The Yankees acquired Berti in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, and his injury troubles began when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter’s box in San Diego on May 24.
As the Yankees embark on this pivotal series against the Royals, the team's revamped roster brings both challenges and opportunities. With key players like LeMahieu sidelined and promising talents like Domínguez stepping up, the Yankees' performance in these upcoming games could significantly impact their standing as they move deeper into the season.