Slow Start for LeMahieu After Recovery
DJ LeMahieu, the versatile third baseman for the Yankees, had a rocky return to the pitch after a foot injury kept him away from the diamond until May 28. The injury had disrupted his impressive offseason, leaving fans and teammates surprised at his relatively underwhelming performances.
Stats Reflect the Difficulty
So far, LeMahieu has struggled to regain his form. With Anthony Volpe playing in the leadoff spot, the seasoned player has been batting ninth mostly. His stats tell the tale of a not yet recovered player – a batting average and slugging percentage of .188, four RBI, and no extra-base hits in his 15 games since coming back.
Faith of the Manager in LeMahieu’s Potential
Despite this tough comeback, Aaron Boone, the team manager, remains optimistic about the ability of his player. Boone admitted that while finding rhythm after a long break could take time, LeMahieu’s explosive quality is not lost. Stickball aficionados would be looking out for the silver linings, the small indications of progress in the player’s stride.
Display of Potential in Boston
A recent match in Boston showed signs of DJ’s potential when although he struck out on a couple of occasions, he managed to pick up three RBI in an 8-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox. LeMahieu himself admitted that finding consistency has been a struggle since his return.
Slow Recovery off the Injured List
Despite a hitless game on Sunday, LeMahieu showed flashes of his former self with a 99.2-mph line drive out, travelling a whopping 349 feet. Boone, recognizing the effort, noted that the player is not “all the way there yet”. LeMahieu still reaches base most games, a positive sign amidst aimless rumors and rising expectations.
The Trade Deadline Looms
This slump has sparked speculations about the Yankees opting to trade for a corner infielder. The speculation further bloomed with Anthony Rizzo, another key player, having a rough year at the plate and recently exiting a game due to a right lower arm injury.
What the Future Holds
As anxious fans await more medical reports on Rizzo, LeMahieu still has time to find his footing before the trade deadline. But, if his performances don’t pick up soon, he and Rizzo both could potentially force the Yankees’ hand to make a move.
Hope Amidst the Speculation
Despite all the conjecture, Boone, remaining steadfast in his belief, said that he hopes LeMahieu starts “getting into that groove.” As of now, the hope is that DJ begins to hit the ball on a line consistently. But as Boone concedes, there’s still work to do.
In conclusion, the clock ticks for DJ LeMahieu and the Yankees as they maneuver through a tough season. Every fan’s eyes are peeled to see the former two-time batting champ reclaim his rhythm and sparkle under the floodlights. In the grand scheme of baseball, though, only time, and more game time, will bear out the truth.