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Yankees Rest Struggling Former All-Star DJ LeMahieu
Jul
The New York Yankees decided to bench DJ LeMahieu, a two-time batting champion, on Sunday due to his ongoing slump this season.
LeMahieu was left out of the lineup for the game against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Oswaldo Cabrera stepping in at third base. Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone addressed the media before the game, but did not confirm whether LeMahieu would return in the near future.
“We’ll evaluate things after today and see where we stand,” Boone stated regarding LeMahieu’s future participation.
The Yankees fell 6-4 to the Rays on Sunday, losing two out of three games in the series.
Boone acknowledged LeMahieu’s dedication and past performance, highlighting his professionalism.
“He’s been a tremendous player throughout his career and is very mentally and physically strong,” Boone noted. “We recognize the challenges he’s facing right now and want to be supportive.”
LeMahieu, 36, is currently batting .177/.270/.202 across 39 games this season, which is significantly below his career averages. He has managed 11 RBI but is yet to hit a home run.
A three-time All-Star and a .290/.352/.411 career hitter, LeMahieu previously won batting titles with the Colorado Rockies in 2016 and the Yankees in 2020. His .243 average last season was the lowest of his career until now.
LeMahieu began this season on the injured list due to a fractured foot and has struggled since returning to action on May 28. During this challenging period, he has faced criticism from fans as the Yankees have also struggled as a team. Entering the All-Star break, the Yankees were 8-18 over their last 26 games, slipping from first place in the AL East to trailing the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees are now 59-41, two games behind the Orioles after Sunday’s results.
Boone had previously said of LeMahieu, “We need to keep giving him opportunities to turn things around.”
LeMahieu went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the Yankees’ 9-1 loss to the Rays the day before. He assured reporters on Sunday that he is in good health. He is currently in the fourth year of a six-year, $90 million contract.
