DJ LeMahieu is back with the Yankees this week — but only as an observer for now. However, manager Aaron Boone says the veteran infielder is getting close to returning to action. According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, LeMahieu has rejoined the team in Detroit, his hometown, and is continuing to work out with the club’s training staff during the series against the Tigers.
If all goes according to plan and he avoids any setbacks, LeMahieu is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Friday.
LeMahieu has been sidelined since mid-March after suffering a calf strain during a spring training game, cutting his preseason short and delaying his start to the regular season. The Yankees have taken a cautious approach to his recovery, looking to prevent a lingering issue that could affect his season.
In his absence, Oswaldo Cabrera has stepped in as the primary third baseman and has held his own defensively and offensively. But LeMahieu’s return would allow Cabrera to shift back into a super-utility role, where the team feels he’s most valuable. It would also provide a much-needed veteran presence in the lineup, especially with Giancarlo Stanton out.
Now in his seventh season with New York and the fifth year of a six-year, $90 million deal, LeMahieu has struggled with injuries since signing the contract shortly after winning his second batting title. If his rehab timeline stays on track, the Yankees could see him back in the Bronx before the end of April.
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