'Left wrist discomfort' sidelines Yankees' DJ LeMahieu
DJ LeMahieu #26 of the Yankees follows through on a second inning grand slam home run against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, May 21, 2022. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Count DJ LeMahieu among the Yankees suddenly dealing with injury/illness.
The infielder was a late scratch from Tuesday night’s game against the Orioles with what the club termed “left wrist discomfort.”
LeMahieu, in the original lineup leading off and playing third. Utility man Marwin Gonzalez took LeMahieu’s spot at third and batted eighth (Aaron Hicks shifted to leadoff).
It was not immediately known how significant the ailment is.
LeMahieu, who has struggled since a relatively hot start, came into Tuesday hitting .250 with three homers and a .704 OPS this season, including a 5-for-39 (.128) skid over his past 10 games.
“I feel like he’s been a little bit unlucky,” Aaron Boone said before the game, speaking before the announcement LeMahieu had been scratched. “I feel like he’s been making contact, just missed a couple of balls he’s hit to right field. The other day (Sunday), in the doubleheader, I think he smoked a ball that the first baseman made a great play on. Smoked one up the middle the pitcher stabbed and got him. Had a soft liner I felt like was a good approach, the rightfielder comes in and makes (the play). Probably not quite hitting as hard as when he was really in a good groove, but I don’t feel like it’s far off at all.”
Chapman to the IL; Higgy activated
As expected, the Yankees placed closer Aroldis Chapman on the IL with left Achilles tendinitis. Boone said before the game an IL stint was “likely,” but the club planned to wait until Wednesday before making a final determination.
Meanwhile, catcher Kyle Higashioka was activated from the COVID-19 IL just before Tuesday night’s game. He, along with Joey Gallo, were placed there Sunday. Gallo, who like Higashioka tested negative, was at the Stadium Tuesday and could return Wednesday. Josh Donaldson, suspended Monday by MLB for one game for his comments to White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson on Saturday – a suspension he plans to appeal – remained home with symptoms a second straight day.
