Yankees rely on makeshift lineups for doubleheader vs. Twins
The Yankees' DJ LeMahieu returns to the dugout after he struck out swinging to end an MLB game against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 18. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
After saying it was possible injured DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton could play in Game 2 of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Twins, manager Aaron Boone declared both players out except in an “emergency situation.”
Boone also said a trip to the injured list is possible for LeMahieu, who has been struggling both at the plate and with an injured toe.
Stanton, who twice fouled a ball off his foot on Monday, is less likely to need an IL stint, Boone said between games.
The Yankees made several roster moves before Game 1.
Anthony Rizzo was placed on the 10-day IL (retroactive to Saturday) with what the club called “headaches following an epidural injection to treat lower back pain.”
Josh Donaldson was placed on the paternity list. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who won the AL Gold Glove as a third baseman for Texas in 2020, started both games at third in his first appearances at the position for the Yankees.
Righthander Deivi Garcia was recalled to take Donaldson’s spot.
First baseman Ronald Guzman was added from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Guzman was the cleanup hitter in the Yankees’ 5-4, 12-inning victory in Game 1. He went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts and a bases-loaded, 3-2-3 double play in the 11th inning. Guzman did not start in Game 2.
Miguel Andujar was recalled from Scranton to be the 29th man for the doubleheader. He started in left as the No. 5 hitter in the opener and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts before being removed for a pinch runner. Andujar did not start Game 2, either.
Righthander Luke Bard was designated for assignment.
On Rizzo, Boone said: “I spoke to him . . . He’s like, ‘I feel great when I’m laying here.’ Hopefully, in the next 24-48 hours, the headaches are subsiding and he can start rolling.”
Andrew Benintendi (fractured hamate bone) underwent surgery on Tuesday. It went as expected,
Boone said.
Rehab progress
Luis Severino (lat strain) threw 45 pitches in a rehab start for Double-A Somerset at Hartford. He allowed two runs in four innings and pronounced himself “ready to go.” . . . Zack Britton (Tommy John surgery) threw one inning for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Durham. He walked one and struck out one ...Reliever Lou Trivino was unavailable because of what Boone called “back stuff going on.” Boone said he was unsure if Trivino would be available on Thursday.
Anthony Rieber covers baseball, as well as the NFL, NBA and NHL. He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since July 5, 2004.
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