The New York Yankees received some news on Monday regarding their star infielder DJ LeMahieu. As opposed to Aaron Judge, who will likely be ready to return once the 10 days of his injury list assignment are up, the infielder will require more time.
According to MLB.com’s beat writer for the New York Yankees Bryan Hoch, LeMahieu will likely be sidelined for between two or three weeks. The information was provided by the manager Aaron Boone.
LeMahieu, who is pacing the American League in batting average with .411, hurt his left thumb over the weekend and was replaced by Tyler Wade.
The fact that the Yankees’ star has no fractures bodes well for a complete recovery eventually. But the team should wait out the three weeks instead of trying to rush him, to ensure there will be no re-aggravation of the injury in the short-term and that he is fully healed and shows no ill effects.
The Yankees should be cautious
The star infielder should be ready to return to action for the Yankees sometime in September. But it would be a good idea to give him all the time he needs, since the Bombers are already in good position to qualify for the playoffs and they need a healthy LeMahieu in October.
The likely replacements for whatever period of time LeMahieu is out, Tyler Wade and Thairo Estrada, are clear downgrades offensively, and while they can hold down the fort at second with the glove, it would be unfair to expect similar production with the bat from them.
Nevertheless, they are talented enough to contribute a hit or two while playing a good second base, ensuring that the injured Yankees’ star can be healthy for the stretch run and the playoffs, should the team qualify (let’s face it, their odds are very good.)
And who knows, maybe Wade and/or Thairo can show something with the bat in those two or three weeks. Let’s see how the situation plays out.