The Yankees are set to begin a pivotal three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles as they head into the All-Star break next week. With the Orioles currently on a three-game losing streak and showing signs of a downward trend, they remain just two games ahead of the Yankees in the American League East, keeping the playoff race alive.
The Yankees Need to Pick Up the Pace
Fortunately for the Yankees, the Orioles’ recent struggles have prevented them from pulling away in the standings, providing the Yankees with a lifeline. Winning this upcoming series is crucial for the Yankees to stay within reach of first place and head into the All-Star break with a positive outlook as they prepare for potential trades and reinforcements.
Lineup Changes and DJ LeMahieu’s Struggles
In their latest strategic move, the Yankees adjusted their batting order, placing DJ LeMahieu in the lead-off spot despite his challenges at the plate this season. LeMahieu, who is recovering from a right foot injury sustained during spring training, is hitting just .202/.296/.229 with zero home runs and 11 RBIs over 34 games, marking him as 40% worse than the average MLB hitter with a 60 wRC+.
Assessing LeMahieu’s Role and Potential
Despite his poor start to 2024, the Yankees are hopeful that LeMahieu can regain his form. Positioned at the top of the order, he is less likely to hit into double plays, with heavy hitters like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto following him. LeMahieu has shown some promise with runners in scoring position, batting .308 with a .345 OBP, but his placement at the bottom of the order has not been beneficial for the team.
Defensively, LeMahieu continues to be a valuable asset, playing 242.2 innings at third base this season and recording five outs above average. However, his power hitting has significantly declined, with a troubling -1.2 launch angle contributing to a career-high 57.1% ground ball rate.
Potential Lineup Adjustments and New Opportunities
The Yankees have other potential leadoff options, such as Austin Wells, who isn’t starting on Friday, and Ben Rice, who they prefer in the cleanup role due to his ability to challenge pitchers.
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Additionally, with the promotion of infield prospect Jorbit Vivas following JD Davis’s move to the injured list with the flu, new opportunities may arise for Vivas at third and second base, potentially adding fresh dynamics to the infield.