For the last week or so, New York Yankees fans have been wondering why they haven’t seen DJ LeMahieu in the spring training games. He is after all competing for the most challenging third base job. LeMahieu said he was taking a break, the “longest reset” of his career almost to get his body and his mind fit and fine. But he finally was set to debut alongside Aaron Judge. But turns out, that fans won’t see how anything goes any further.

That’s because just two at-bats into his spring training debut with the New York Yankees, he was forced out due to a calf injury. It happened when the Yankees were playing with the Houston Astros on Saturday. This news has fans going – again? This is a mirror déjà vu for everyone.

LeMahieu already had a rough season last time around with a fractured foot and a season-ending hip injury. The team planned his comeback and adjusted his training. But when luck plays a joke, no plans ever work at all. And this is proof. LeMahieu felt a twinge in his calf as he ran to first base. And even though he didn’t get an MRI still, his calf is sore—and he knows it looks bad now.

LeMahieu, talking to The New York Post, said at the moment he felt, “Are you kidding me? Are you serious right now? Is this a sick joke?” And it’s understandable why he would feel that. He was only just back! But the frustration that probably haunts him and his team is that the Yankees need him now. The offense is the only bit that’s concerning for the team, and this has made it tough.

The New York Yankees didn’t sign a third baseman this offseason. They put their faith in DJ LeMahieu, and well, that’s not worked well. Disappointed, LeMahieu said, “It’s probably going to be a little bit before I start doing baseball stuff again.” Moreover, his competitors for this third baseman role, Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza are not even proven starters. Aaron Boone is not happy with the way things have progressed at all.

“That’s not ideal, just with all that he’s had to deal with. We’ll see what we have there and how significant it is,” said Boone. But even then, DJ LeMahieu isn’t someone who gives up; he said his confidence is the same, but yes, these blows are discouraging for sure. For now, though, the Yankees fans have one big question—why didn’t the franchise let him go this offseason itself?

Are the Yankees and DJ LeMahieu in a toxic relationship?

It’s a question being posed a lot, but with how the Yankees are holding tight to LeMahieu, it seems like they are in a toxic relationship. A relationship that’s held on because of the good times that happened years ago. Now there is no denying that there was the honeymoon phase. But now? Are they not clinging on to the version that no longer exists? And the stats prove it!

When DJ LeMahieu arrived at New York Yankees, he was the joy of the franchise in 2019. He won the batting title in 2020, and he was the kind of player one builds a team around. But since 2021, the magic has been erased sadly. His average hasn’t topped. 270, and his power has been negligible. His on the clutch moments? Those don’t exist! He is, although still great in defense, but what good is it when he struggles to be healthy?

Last season was when fans thought it would be the final straw. He missed months because of a fracture, played 67 games in total, and hit two home runs. That’s right! Now, he is 36 years old and still has two years and $30 million on his contract. The New York Yankees need a reliable factor in the team, not another question mark. Right now, fan’s reaction to this news is exactly what LeMahieu’s reaction was, “Are you kidding me?” And while none of the injuries are his fault, sometimes sympathy runs dry.

Do you think that a miracle will come and help DJ LeMahieu someday get his spark back? Let us know in the comments.