The New York Yankees are undergoing significant roster changes as they gear up for a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium.
DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering right hip impingement. According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, "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 has only played 67 games this season, hitting .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs. His struggles follow a similar downturn last season, where he batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games. Notably, LeMahieu missed the first 55 games of this season due to a fracture in his right foot.
In a move aimed at rejuvenating the lineup, the Yankees have called up their top prospect, 20-year-old Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez will make his major league debut batting sixth and playing center field, with plans to also utilize him in left field. Boone expressed enthusiasm about the young star, saying, "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." Domínguez has posted impressive numbers this season across three minor league levels, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games. Since returning from an oblique injury on July 26, Domínguez has been in exceptional form, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
This roster shuffle also sees the designation of reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz made only one appearance for the Yankees this season but had a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The Yankees have additionally activated Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti, who missed a substantial 90 games due to a left calf strain, was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins. Before his injury, he batted .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. His return adds depth and versatility to the roster, as the team seeks to balance experience and new talent down the stretch of the season.
As the Yankees prepare for their crucial series against the Royals, the focus remains on maintaining competitiveness while nurturing young talent. Boone summed up the inclusion of Domínguez in the lineup by saying, "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."
Each of these roster changes reflects the Yankees' commitment to adapting and optimizing their lineup as they navigate the latter part of the season. With LeMahieu sidelined, the arrival of Domínguez could invigorate the team's offense, while the return of Berti adds a much-needed layer of depth. As they take on the Royals, the Yankees will be closely watched to see how these adjustments pan out on the field.