The New York Yankees made a procedural move this Thursday prior to tonight’s Opening Day clash against the Washington Nationals. DJ LeMahieu, the team’s starting second baseman and one of the most important offensive (and defensive) performers, was activated from the 10 day injured list.
LeMahieu spent a couple of weeks away from the New York Yankees’ summer camp at Yankee Stadium while being in quarantine due to the COVID-19. As of Thursday afternoon, it is not clear whether he will be able to play tonight, as he is considerably behind his teammates.
The stellar infielder reported to camp last Friday after recovering from COVID-19 and was even able to get some at-bats in exhibition games. By the last few days prior to reporting to Yankee Stadium, LeMahieu was basically asymptomatic.
The Yankees welcome back one of their best players
The fact that he was activated means he will be available for manager Aaron Boone in case he is needed.
In case he can’t go, the Yankees do have several options to fill in, such as Thairo Estrada and Tyler Wade. Gio Urshela is primarily a third baseman (and is the starter at that position) but he can also play the keystone in a pinch.
Having LeMahieu back is a welcome sight for the New York Yankees. The 32-year-old infielder was the team’s best player last year, accumulating 5.4 fWAR and shining with the bat, with the glove and even in the postseason.
He had a career year at the plate, hitting .327 with 109 runs scored, 26 home runs, 102 runs batted in, five stolen bases and a .893 OPS.
LeMahieu is fully motivated to play early and often, as he is entering a contract year and is set to test the free agent waters after the season. The Yankees are expected to make a run at retaining him but it is not a given.