LeMahieu to start season on IL
TAMPA, Fla. – Slowed by a bruised right foot, DJ LeMahieu will begin the 2024 season on the injured list.
“The last few days…it hasn’t really responded quick enough,’’ with Opening Day on Thursday, said Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said of LeMahieu’s injury.
The oldest player in Yankees camp, and the team’s expected leadoff hitter and regular third baseman, LeMahieu, 35, was having a solid spring until March 16, when he fouled a ball off his foot.
Since that moment in an exhibition game at Steinbrenner Field, LeMahieu has worked diligently to get into playing shape, with on-field defensive drills and light running.
LeMahieu resumed on-field batting practice Sunday and he was listed with a BP group Monday, but he did not participate.
“We’re not officially (putting him on the IL) today, but he won’t be ready to start the season (on time),’’ said Cashman. “It’s been a bit of a slow go on the recovery side, he banged it up pretty good.’’
Preventing a completely lousy Monday at Yankees camp, Anthony Rizzo (left lat tightness) returned to the lineup for the Yankees’ final Florida exhibition game, as designated hitter against the Mets.
Rizzo said he fully expects to be at first base in the Opening Day lineup.
As of now, Oswaldo Cabrera is the next third baseman on the Yankees’ depth chart and “he’s playing well,’’ said Cashman, though the GM did not anoint Cabrera as LeMahieu’s replacement.
“He’s the best internal candidate for us,’’ but Cashman will consider outside options leading up to Thursday’s opener at Houston against the Astros.
Jahmai Jones, Kevin Smith and Jose Rojas are among the other potential inhouse infield candidates to claim an Opening Day roster spot.
Plus, “externally, we’re evaluating all the options,’’ said Cashman. “There’s always a potential trade or designations, opt-outs, that type of stuff. We’re evaluating that field.’’
LeMahieu will be backdated on the IL a few days, allowing him to return sooner than later if he’s deemed ready. Another MRI, later in the week, will help determine that timeline.