Yankees' DJ LeMahieu Optimistic About Opening Day Chances

Despite dealing with a bone bruise in his foot, the Yankee infielder believes he'll be available to play.

The New York Yankees may have one of their most important players available after all.

DJ LeMahieu, who is currently the starting third baseman, was previously given a grim report from Yankee manager Aaron Boone on Monday; the latter said the former sustained a "pretty significant" bone bruise to his right foot in a game on Saturday. Although Boone said the expectation was "reasonable", he wasn't certain if the 35-year-old infielder would be ready to play on Opening Day.

However, LeMahieu likes his chances of being ready by then.

"I've had a good spring training. I've had plenty of at-bats. I'm pretty much ready," LeMahieu said. "I feel really good, my body is in a really good spot besides that foul ball."

Beat writer Bryan Hoch would also report that LeMahieu isn't expected to travel with the team to Mexico City for a two-game exhibition; instead, he will remain in Tampa, focusing on his recovery.

LeMahieu also said that he doesn’t expect to be on the Mexico City trip, instead remaining behind in Tampa. https://t.co/dd1ElK3AoV

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 20, 2024

While LeMahieu's optimism about his Opening Day status is far more encouraging than previous reports, another report from Max Goodman says that the infielder still feels soreness in the foot while walking. Given his previous foot injuries, the Yankees need to make sure LeMahieu doesn't play through this current injury at all costs, and wait until he feels completely better to put him in the lineup.

DJ LeMahieu still feels soreness in his right foot (bone bruise) all the time, even while walking. He seemed to be in good spirits, though. Opening Day hasn’t been ruled out.

“I feel really good, my body is in a really good spot besides that foul ball. I feel ready to go.”

— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) March 20, 2024

The two-time batting champion has struggled with injuries since signing a six-year, $90 million deal in January 2021 to remain a Yankee. In particular, his 2022 season ended prematurely when he broke a bone in his right big toe and tore a ligament in the second toe. This carried over into 2023, as he struggled greatly in the first half of the year; attempts to compensate for the foot injuries would severely harm his swing mechanics, although he would be back to full strength by the second half.

It can't be understated how important LeMahieu is to the Bronx Bombers' success. In addition to be a versatile defender capable of playing first, second, and third base, he is the team's best contact hitter and has good on-base skills to boot, both of which have made him a fixture in the leadoff spot. 

The Yankees will begin their season on March 28, visiting the Houston Astros. Having LeMahieu ready by then would be a boon to the lineup, but they need to make sure he is 100% ready and nothing less; fortunately, LeMahieu's optimism indicates that the best-case scenario is still possible.