Struggling Nights and Waking Up to New Challenges
DJ LeMahieu, a three-time All-Star infielder for the New York Yankees, has been through a rough patch lately. The strain of his poor play has taken a toll on him, both physically and mentally. “Definitely lost a lot of sleep,” he admitted, echoing the sentiments of many Yankees fans who have been following his journey closely. LeMahieu, who will be 37 in July, is no stranger to the demands of professional baseball, but the last few years have been particularly challenging due to a series of injuries and health issues. He described his career, saying, “For a majority of my career, I would pretty much play unless my leg was cut off. I’d just kind of strap it on every day and played.” However, the recent complications have made it clear that his body is sending different signals now. Injuries such as a foot fracture and a broken sesamoid bone have compounded, making it difficult to maintain the level of performance that fans and the team have come to expect from him.
The Journey to New York
LeMahieu’s journey with the Yankees began in January 2019 when he left Colorado as a free agent to sign a two-year, $24 million contract. His arrival was met with high hopes, and he quickly justified the investment by hitting a career-high .364 with a 1.011 OPS in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, winning his second batting title. His consistent performance and leadership on the field made him a fan favorite, and the Yankees were keen to keep him. They retained him with a six-year, $90 million contract, signaling their belief in his ability to contribute to the team in the long run. However, the 2021 season brought a significant setback. LeMahieu missed the entire postseason due to a sports hernia that required core muscle repair surgery on October 12. This injury marked the beginning of a series of health challenges that would affect his performance in subsequent years.
The Turning Point in 2022
The 2022 season was another roller coaster for LeMahieu. He started strong, hitting .272 in the first half, but everything changed at the All-Star break when he received a cortisone injection for a right big toe injury. The effects were immediate and devastating. “I remember we’re in Boston watching his at-bats just change overnight,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone recalled. LeMahieu’s slugging percentage dropped dramatically, and he struggled to find his rhythm, finishing the season with a .228 average in the second half. The injury, eventually diagnosed as a broken sesamoid bone, also led to ligament damage in his second toe, forcing him to miss the 2022 playoffs. This period was particularly tough for LeMahieu, as he felt the weight of the team’s and fans’ expectations. “It’s tough to be a guy that the team can’t rely on at times,” he said, reflecting on the impact of his struggles on the team dynamics.
Early Hurdles in 2023
LeMahieu’s struggles continued into the 2023 season. He hit .220 in the first half and managed to raise his average to .273 in the second, but the season was cut short on September 3 due to right hip impingement. His batting average of .204 with just two home runs and 26 RBIs in 228 plate appearances marked a career low. The season began with yet another setback when he broke his right foot during a spring training game on March 16, delaying his debut until May 28. This string of injuries has made it difficult for him to find a consistent groove, and he acknowledges the skepticism from some quarters about his ability to return to form. “That’s fine,” he said, displaying a resilience that has defined his career. “Plenty of times in my career people haven’t always been the most confident in me. I’ll obviously use that as motivation but at the same time I’ve got enough to worry about. I know if I can just be myself and continue to work to be that, that’ll be fine.”
Manager’s Perspective and Future Role
Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ manager, remains supportive of LeMahieu despite the recent difficulties. Boone believes that LeMahieu’s hitting tool is one that usually ages well, and he sees a role for him on the team, though the specifics may depend on his health. With Gleyber Torres’s departure to Detroit as a free agent, Boone is shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, which opens up an opportunity for LeMahieu to play more at third. “The hit tool is one of those things that ages usually pretty well,” Boone commented. “With health, I do believe there’s reason to believe that there’s a role to be played there. Is it an everyday role? Is it some kind of platoon role? His body will kind of dictate that.” Boone’s comments suggest a flexible approach, recognizing LeMahieu’s value while also being realistic about the impact of his health on his playing time.
A New Beginning and Determined Comeback
LeMahieu, determined to stage a comeback, took a two-month break from hitting after the 2023 season, reporting to the Yankees’ minor league complex in mid-January to give his body time to heal. “I felt good,” he said, acknowledging that feeling well in January is one thing, but the real test will come when the season starts. His focus on health and recovery is a testament to his resolve and the understanding that he needs to take better care of his body to compete at the highest level. LeMahieu’s history of overcoming doubts and adversity gives Yankees fans and the team hope that he can return to his dominant form. His journey has been marked by resilience, and he is prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead with the same determination that has defined his career.
