DJ LeMahieu joins New York Yankees casualty list

Worrying times for the New York Yankees just as Spring Training begins to wind down in anticipation for the new MLB season. The casualties continue to pile up - first Oswald Peraza went down after suffering a sub-scapular strain to his right shoulder, which will keep him sidelined for between six to eight weeks; then a couple of days ago the franchise confirmed that they lost star pitcher Gerrit Cole until further notice.

Daily assessments

On top of those losses, the Yankees could also be without DJ LeMahieu for their Opening Day clash with the Detroit Tigers. The 35-year-old infielder is being treated for discomfort to his right foot. The player picked up the injury fouling a ball off himself in Saturday’s 10-9 win over the Blue Jays.

LeMahieu has undergone a series of medical tests including an X-Ray in an attempt to discover the root of the problem but scans have come back negative and for the moment, the diagnosis is that it is nothing serious.

Bronx Bombers manager Aaron Boone confirmed that X-rays on the player’s foot did not reveal serious damage but added that LeMahieu will be evaluated daily and from there, it will be assessed whether he is in conditions to return to the diamond. Early indications suggest that could be the middle of this week. Boone added that the player said his foot was still feeling sore on Sunday. “Hopefully it’s just a day-to-day thing, but he got it pretty good”.

LeMahieu has had issues with the same foot. In February 2022, he fractured the sesamoid bone in his big toe which led to issues with the ligament of another of his toes later that summer. The two-time MLB batting champion, Silver Slugger and 4-time Gold Glove winner is expected to be the Yankees’ starting third baseman this season, leaving Anthony Volpe at shortstop.

In January 2021, LeMahieu signed a six-year contract worth 90 million with New York. The veteran third baseman will earn $15 million this season - in the first of the final three years of his contract.