Despite the New York Yankees losing the first two out of three games to the Baltimore Orioles, one player started the season on a high note. Infielder DJ LeMahieu went 4-for-6 in his first at-bats as a Yankee.
LeMahieu went 0-for-2 against the Tigers but walked once on Monday. He’s hitting .500 on the year with one double and two RBIs. His on-base percentage of .778 leads the team and will likely earn him more playing time in the weeks ahead.
The Yankees are in injury trouble:
With slugger Giancarlo Stanton and third baseman Miguel Andujar being placed on the 10-day injury list, LeMahieu’s role will only increase. Injuries are piling up at an astronomical rate as pitchers and fielders are being added almost daily at this point.
It almost seems as if GM Brian Cashman’s plan is coming to a halt, but his veteran signings this offseason are expected to fill in as stop gaps while the regular starters heal. Meanwhile, DJ is making a case for himself to become a regular starter once the injured players return.
Veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitzki commented on LeMahieu’s influence so far this season:
“The guy’s a baseball player,’’ said Tulowitzki.“You put him anywhere, he’s gonna impact the game offensively and defensively. He’ll give you everything he’s got. He was all over the place and made some good plays.’’
The Yankees lineup now looks something like this:
1. Brett Gardner, CF
2. Aaron Judge, RF
3. Luke Voit, DH
4. DJ LeMahieu, 3B
5. Greg Bird, 1B
6. Gary Sanchez, C
7. Gleyber Torres, 2B
8. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
9. Clint Frazier, LF
The starting lineup is now without four starting players in Stanton, Andujar, Didi Gregorius, and Aaron Hicks. Not only is the defense a liability but the offense is in dire need of assistance.
Essentially, the Yankees must now rely on their pitching to get through the next few weeks, as we simply cannot expect them to put up significant run support.