The New York Yankees are undergoing significant roster adjustments as they head into a pivotal three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. These alterations come on the heels of a challenging season, where injuries and inconsistent performances have plagued the team.
Key Changes in the Roster
The Yankees have been dealt a blow with DJ LeMahieu being placed on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement. LeMahieu's performance this season has been a shadow of his former self, hitting just .204 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games. His struggles can be partly attributed to a fracture in his right foot that kept him out of the lineup for the team's first 55 games. Last season, LeMahieu batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games, numbers that the Yankees were hoping to see again this year.
Manager Aaron Boone commented on LeMahieu's condition, saying, "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."
The Rise of Jasson Domínguez
Amidst LeMahieu's absence, the Yankees have decided to call up their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old phenom has been turning heads in the minors, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three levels this season. Domínguez battled an oblique injury on June 15 but made a strong comeback on July 26, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre post-recovery.
Boone has high hopes for Domínguez, stating, "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 will make his major league debut in center field, batting sixth in the lineup and also seeing time in left field. This move is seen as a significant step for the Yankees as they look to inject fresh talent and energy into a team that has been mired in mediocrity for much of the season.
Other Roster Adjustments
In addition to calling up Domínguez, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz appeared in one game for New York this season but had a more active role in the minors, compiling a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Furthermore, the Yankees have activated Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti, who missed 90 games due to a left calf strain, was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins. Before his injury, Berti hit .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. His injury occurred in a game against San Diego on May 24, when he collapsed in pain just steps out of the batter's box.
The Road Ahead
These roster changes signify a crucial turning point for the Yankees as they aim to finish the season strong. The introduction of young talent like Domínguez, combined with the return of a versatile player like Berti, brings a sense of cautious optimism to the Bronx. Whether these moves will pay off in a competitive AL East race remains to be seen, but for now, the Yankees are making all the right adjustments to give themselves a fighting chance.
Boone, reflecting on the decision to bring in Domínguez, remarked, "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, [he's been] really starting to be in the peak of the season and play at a high level."
With the team's playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the coming series against the Royals will be a crucial test of the Yankees' new-look roster. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the final stretch of the season.