Lemahieu Takes A Step Forward

Some good news on the DJ Lemahieu front if anybody cares… he’s making his way back.

If you didn’t know, DJ LeMahieu is back with the Yankees joining the team in Detroit. While he won’t be jumping right into game action, LeMahieu will spend the next three days working out with the team. If all goes smoothly, he’s expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Friday. That’s huge.

It’s been a long road back for DJ, who saw only one spring training game before getting shut down with a nagging calf injury. With that in mind, fans probably shouldn’t expect to see him in the Bronx until sometime in early May.

And when he does return? Nothing is promised at this point which is crazy to me.

LeMahieu isn’t walking back into a guaranteed role. With Oswaldo Cabrera manning third base and the Yankees getting contributions from other younger players, DJ will have to earn his at-bats—likely competing directly for playing time at the hot corner.

But before anyone writes him off completely, let’s not forget who DJ LeMahieu was just a few years ago.

Not that long ago, he was the guy in the Yankees lineup—spraying line drives to all fields, coming up clutch time after time, and flashing Gold Glove defense across multiple infield positions. He was one of the most consistent, dangerous hitters in the American League and a stabilizing presence both at the plate and in the field. His batting titles weren’t a fluke; they were the result of a relentless work ethic, elite hand-eye coordination, and baseball IQ.

Injuries have taken a toll, no doubt. He played in only 67 games last season and struggled to keep his average above .200, a far cry from the player who once carried the Yankees offense on his back. It’s understandable that some fans are ready to move on—baseball can be ruthless like that.

But I’m not ready to throw in the towel. And clearly, neither are the Yankees. They’re giving him the time he needs, not rushing his return, and still see value in what he brings to the clubhouse and the field.

It’s easy to forget how quickly things can turn in baseball—for better or worse. LeMahieu has already proven he can rise to the occasion. Now, he’s working to prove he can do it again.

Don’t count him out just yet.