After missing the first two weeks of “Summer Camp”, DJ LeMahieu is back in the lineup for the Yankees. He will leadoff and play second like usual for the second scrimmage against the Mets.
LeMahieu was unable to report to camp as planned due to the fact that he tested positive for coronavirus. He was asymptomatic and took “11 or 12” tests until he saw two consecutive negatives, clearing him to return. The second-year Yankee came back to train on Friday, and now cracks the lineup for the first time on Sunday.
Now, it’s certainly not impossible for LeMahieu to start on Opening Day either. If he looks good in these last two scrimmages and feels good, then he could play on Thursday against the Nationals. If he doesn’t play Thursday, he may be ready to go on Saturday as the teams have an off-day scheduled for the Friday after Opening Day. That day will be used if the scheduled Opening Day is a rainout.
Also playing on Sunday is Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Aaron Hicks, Luke Voit, and Brett Gardner. Those four didn’t travel with the team to Queens on Saturday and will get their first scrimmage action against other teams on Sunday.
The final scrimmage for the Yankees will take place on Monday in Philadelphia against the Phillies. From there, they open the season in Washington for a three game series against the defending champions before traveling back to Philadelphia for a two game set. Then, the Yankees will go home for their first series at Yankee Stadium, and that will be another two game set against the Phillies.