The New York Yankees are ringing in significant roster changes as they gear up for a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Key moves include placing DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list, recalling top prospect Jasson Domínguez, and designating reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment.
LeMahieu to Injured List
DJ LeMahieu has been sidelined by a lingering right hip impingement and has been placed on the 10-day injured list. Yankees manager Aaron Boone shed light on the situation, 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."
This hip issue has hampered LeMahieu's performance, contributing to his .204 batting average with two homers and 26 RBIs over 67 games this season. His struggles have been compounded by an earlier injury that caused him to miss New York's first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot. Last season, LeMahieu batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games.
The Rise of Jasson Domínguez
In a move that has Yankees fans buzzing, the team has recalled their top prospect, 20-year-old Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez has had an impressive season, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league levels. After a brief hiatus due to an oblique injury on June 15, he returned on July 26 and maintained his momentum, batting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The excitement surrounding Domínguez’s major league debut against the Royals is palpable. He will start in center field and bat sixth, with Boone expressing high praise for the young talent: "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."
While Domínguez’s primary position will be center field, he is also expected to see some time in left field. His debut comes despite a setback last September when he tore a ligament in his throwing elbow. Boone highlighted the anticipation around Domínguez’s call-up, stating, "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."
Misiewicz Designated for Assignment
In another roster move, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz's stint with New York was brief, as he appeared in just one game this season. Despite limited action with the major league squad, he compiled a solid 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Return of Jon Berti
Additionally, the Yankees have activated Jon Berti, who has been on the injured list due to a left calf strain, missing a staggering 90 games. Before his injury, Berti had been contributing with a .273 batting average, one homer, and six RBIs in just 17 games. Acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, Berti's season was interrupted when he collapsed a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24. His return adds a versatile option to the Yankees' lineup as they look to make a late-season push.
These crucial roster changes reflect the Yankees' attempt to balance their squad with a mix of young talent and seasoned players. As they face off against the Royals, all eyes will be on the debut of Jasson Domínguez and how the team adjusts to the absence of DJ LeMahieu. With the season reaching a critical juncture, these decisions could play a significant role in the Yankees’ bid for postseason contention.