Yankees Aaron Boone Reveals DJ LeMahieu’s Reaction to Lineup Decision

DJ LeMahieu’s days as an everyday player for the New York Yankees appear to be over.

Manager Aaron Boone shared prior to Tuesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners that the 36-year-old LeMahieu will see his playing time reduced moving forward as the Yankees try to shake up their underperforming lineup.

How is LeMahieu handling the change? Not well, according to Boone.

“That’s kind of the situation we’re in right now,” Boone said, via the Athletic’s Chris Kirschner.

LaMahieu, who has yet to speak with reporters about his new role, is slashing just .266/.338/.336 with two home runs and 12 RBI in 45 games after opening the season on the injured list because of a strained left calf.

The Yankees, seeking an offensive spark, have lost nine of their last 14 games to fall out of first place in the American League East. They entered Wednesday at 50-41, 3.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays. 

 

What is Next for DJ LeMahieu?

Since coming off the IL on May 12, LeMahieu has primarily manned second base, much to the dismay of fans who would prefer to see Jazz Chisholm Jr. play there every day.

Chisholm Jr., who is tied for second among all third baseman with six throwing errors, recently told the Athletic that he’s much more comfortable at second base and eventually hopes to move back there full-time.

Where does that leave LeMahieu? Boone has already ruled out moving him to third base, noting that it could be a challenge for him athletically.

As it is, LaMahieu, who’s been hampered by various foot and leg issues in recent years, isn’t hitting much. A two-time batting champion, LaMahieu batted a career-low .204 with just seven extra-base hits in 67 games in 2024.

While LeMahieu is off to a hot start in July, with seven hits in his first 15 at-bats (.467), the Yankees are clearly cognizant of his limitations at this stage of his career.

 

What is the Yankees’ Plan for Third Base?

LeMahieu is still owed the remainder of his $15 million salary this season, as well as $15 million next season. Moving on could be costly.

That said, there’s several different avenues for the Yankees to explore if they wish to bring in outside help.

Kirschner noted that it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Yankees try to upgrade third base externally ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, with potential options including Eugenio Suarez, Ryan McMahon, Ke’Bryan Hayes and Willi Castro.

Aside from that, Jeimer Candelario and Nicky Lopez were recently brought in for organizational depth.

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