Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu Set For Spring Debut
DJ LeMahieu has sat out the Yankees’ first few games of camp, but he will see some action on Wednesday.
Manager Aaron Boone said that the infielder is going to make his 2023 spring training debut when New York hosts the Nationals, according to NJ.com’s Randy Miller. Boone added that LeMahieu is “pretty full go” after being plagued by foot/toe issues last year.
LeMahieu, who opted against offseason surgery, will play second base on Wednesday. He’ll also play first base and third base this spring.
LeMahieu, 34, has said that he doesn’t anticipate any restrictions in camp. But Boone noted that the first normal spring training in a while – the pandemic and MLB’s lockout have created obstacles in recent years – means that the skipper can take a cautious approach with veterans like LeMahieu, as they have more time to ramp up. So that’s why LeMahieu has not gotten into a game yet.
Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton are also making their spring debuts on Wednesday. Like LeMahieu, they dealt with injuries last year.
LeMahieu will be one of several Yankees who play multiple positions this season, much like he has in the past. The four-time Gold Glover has split time between second base and the corner infield spots fairly evenly since signing with New York in 2019.
"I'm excited,” LeMahieu said, per MLB.com’ Bryan Hoch. “I really like playing different positions and moving around. I think it fits my skillset well and helps our team."
Oswaldo Cabrera and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are among the other Yankees who could roam the diamond this year.
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