Sketchy Updates Only Worsen Suspicions That DJ LeMahieu’s Foot Could Put Opening Day in Jeopardy

The curse of injuries has not freed the New York Yankees yet. So much so that the year 2024 has already seen injuries of various intensities for Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and now Dj LeMahieu to name a few. With some players already unavailable for Opening Day, manager Boone shares his thoughts, “it’s going to cost him(LeMahieu) some days here.” What does this mean for the Yankees?

There’s no straight answer to this question. But first, let’s address the matter at hand. The Yankees’ third baseman will miss an undefined number of days in spring training because of a “pretty significant bone bruise” in his right foot. But the word ‘undefined’ induces anxiety. Will Aaron Boone play it down to keep fans calm, yet again? 

Where Does Dj LeMahieu’s Injury Leave the New York Yankees?

Per the latest updates, the 35-year-old has a history of foot issues. Considering that Boone is prioritizing keeping the players healthy, he won’t insist on rushing anything. Updates suggest that it might be a few days before he completely recovers. The Yankees skipper said on the YES network, “He’s still pretty sore, but moving around a lot better. I definitely think it’s going to cost him some days here.“

LeMahieu’s absence is a pretty big deal. Back in 2023, in 136 games he hit .243 with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs. Although he has a career average of .292, two batting titles, two silver sluggers, and numerous appearances in the MVP race to his name, he had a down year this season. But he is expected to be back in his full form in 2024. The only caveat here is that his leg condition must improve. 

This is a bad sign for the Yankees. On one hand, the club has moved mountains this off-season, including acquiring star outfielder Juan Soto to make 2024 a bounce-back season. On the other, the injuries pose a threat to their plan. Boone, time and again, has emphasized player health as his strategy this year. One can’t help but hope that the scares are just that. And nothing more. 

Read More: Rookie Luis Gill Making Strong Case for Yankees’ Open Rotation Spot Amidst Gerrit Cole’s Absence

An Injury Laden Spring Training Threatens Line-Up Strength on Opening Day

Speaking of scares, Gerrit Cole’s condition seems unclear. While his injury isn’t as intense as one might think, he certainly won’t be available on Opening Day. As a replacement, Carlos Rodon would be covering for Cole train. Rodon too went through an injury situation last year and this year “Everyone’s watching Carlos right now.” 

Read More: Aaron Judge Takes a Step Forward in Crucial Recovery, Return in Sight as Opening Day Nears

The pressure is not just on individual performance, but also on the team as a whole. And that’s where the Captain’s presence becomes more key. But Judge too had an injury scare. As a ripple effect, he has not been taking batting practice on the infield or even played since March 10. His “abdominal discomfort” led to an MRI exam on March 11 turned out to be clean. Though he is expected to be back in the lineup on Wednesday, one fears that there’s a jinx at play here.

As Boone manages to mitigate any strong emotions felt amid the injury news, one only wonders, is the Yankees’ Opening Day in jeopardy?