As the New York Yankees gear up for a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium, significant roster changes have reshaped the team.
DJ LeMahieu to the Injured List
One of the major updates revolves around DJ LeMahieu, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement. The injury has hounded LeMahieu for weeks, with Yankees manager Aaron Boone stating, "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."
LeMahieu's absence will be felt as he has been a steady presence on the field, despite battling injuries. This season, he has hit .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games. It's worth noting that he missed New York's 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.
Introducing Jasson Domínguez
To fill the void left by LeMahieu, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez. The 20-year-old has been a sensation in the minor leagues, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels this season. Despite an oblique injury in June that sidelined him, Domínguez made a strong comeback at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs since his return on July 26.
Boone has high expectations for Domínguez, who will make his major league debut at center field and bat sixth. Additionally, Boone indicated that Domínguez will also see some time in left field. "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," Boone shared.
The anticipation surrounding Domínguez's debut is palpable. Boone added, "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."
Shuffling the Bullpen
In another roster move, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in just one game for New York this season. However, he had an impressive showing at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, posting a 3-2 record with a 3.33 ERA over 44 appearances.
The Return of Jon Berti
The Yankees have also activated Jon Berti from the injured list, providing a potential boost to their lineup. Berti missed 90 games due to a left calf strain. Before his injury, he was performing well, batting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. Acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, Berti's return could prove crucial as the Yankees fight for a postseason berth.
Berti's injury was a dramatic setback; he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24. His return to the lineup is a positive development for the team.
As the Yankees prepare to face the Royals, these roster changes reflect a team in transition but committed to staying competitive. With DJ LeMahieu sidelined, the spotlight now turns to young talents like Jasson Domínguez to step up and make an impact. Boone's confidence in his players, both returning veterans and emerging prospects, will be crucial as the Yankees navigate the closing months of the season.