Yankees face daunting challenge with DJ LeMahieu potentially heading to IL

yankees, dj lemahieu
Jul 16, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu (26) during the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees can’t afford to be losing any more infielders at this point in time, especially with Josh Donaldson heading to the paternity list. Luckily, both Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Oswald Peraza performed valiantly in the first game of the doubleheader on Wednesday, recording six total hits.

However, following the walk-off win, courtesy of Oswaldo Cabrera, manager Aaron Boone indicated that star utilityman DJ LeMahieu could be heading to the injured list due to his toe injury, per Bryan Hoch of MLB Network.

The Yankees need to treat DJ LeMahieu with caution:

LeMahieu visited a specialist on Wednesday, who likely indicated a few days of rest could be worthwhile. The Yankees currently sit on a three-game winning streak, but LeMahieu has struggled considerably over the last month. He hit .211 in the month of August with a 27.6% on-base rate, including 20 hits over 95 at-bats. To start September, DJ has failed to record a hit over 12 at-bats, getting on base at a less than 10% clip.

Clearly, these are unusual numbers for DJ, who hosts a .262 average on the season with a 36% on-base rate, including 12 homers and 46 RBIs. A few days off might do him well, especially since the team desperately needs him healthy come the playoffs.

In the meantime, the Yankees are waiting on Anthony Rizzo to return from headaches stemming from an epidural to treat his lower back injury. We should expect to see plenty of Peraza over the next few weeks, and even Marwin Gonzalez, especially after Ronald Guzman struggled considerably in his first game of action at the top level this season.