The New York Yankees are making bold roster moves as they prepare for a consequential three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. The changes signal a blend of addressing current injuries and injecting fresh talent from the minor leagues.
LeMahieu Heads to Injured List
Veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a persistent right hip impingement. "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," said Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
LeMahieu has struggled throughout the season, batting a meager .204 with two homers and driving in 26 runs over 67 games. His season has been marred by injuries, having already missed the team's first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot. Last year, he played 136 games, posting a .243 average with 15 homers and 44 RBIs.
Yankees Call Up Jasson Domínguez
In a move that has fans buzzing, the Yankees have recalled their 20-year-old top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez has been impressive in the minors, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three levels this season. Despite suffering an oblique injury on June 15, he returned to action on July 26 and continued to excel, hitting .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs since his return.
Domínguez is set to make his Major League debut in center field and will be batting sixth. Boone has high expectations, 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." The young outfielder will also see time in left field as the team assesses his versatility.
Notably, Domínguez had to overcome a major hurdle after tearing a ligament in his throwing elbow last September, making his rapid rise through the minor leagues even more remarkable. Boone added, "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."
Misiewicz Designated for Assignment
As part of these roster moves, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz's stint with the Yankees has been brief, appearing in just one game this season. However, his performance in Triple-A was notable, with a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA over 44 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Berti Activated from Injured List
In another significant shift, infielder Jon Berti has been activated from the injured list after missing 90 games due to a left calf strain. Berti, who was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins, collapsed in pain mere steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24. Before his injury, he was hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games.
As the Yankees head into their series against the Royals, these roster changes reflect a balance of managing injuries and strategically advancing young talent. With the addition of Jasson Domínguez and the return of Jon Berti, the team is looking to find the right combination to stay competitive in this critical stretch of the season.
The upcoming series will be a test not just for the new faces, but for the entire roster as they navigate the challenges posed by injuries and seek to make a strong push towards the final months of the season.