ST. PETERSBURG – Aaron Boone said that DJ LeMahieu is “feeling good” after taking a pitch to his lefty pinky and fouling a ball off his neck in Wednesday’s win over the Rays. Still, the manager kept the third baseman out of Thursday’s lineup.
LeMahieu saw doctors and had a precautionary CT scan on his neck Wednesday night, which ruled out anything major. His pinky, meanwhile, didn’t suffer any swelling.
“I feel like he’s in a good spot,” Boone said, adding that LeMahieu didn’t shown any signs of a concussion.
DJ just fouled a ball off his neck. He was down for a bit but he’s staying in the game pic.twitter.com/7CZQSTTbdH
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 11, 2024
It’s been a weird year for LeMahieu, as his season was delayed by a non-displaced fracture in his right foot. He sustained that injury after fouling a ball off his foot in spring training.
“There’s definitely been some freak things that have popped up on him and happened to him, really over the last couple years,” Boone said, alluding to another foot injury in 2022. “It’s stalled some seasons for him. Hopefully this is something that’s not getting in the way of him getting it rolling here.”
LeMahieu has hit just .202/.296/.229 over 34 games this season, adding three doubles, zero homers and 11 RBI. He’s been better over his last four games, going 5-for-12, but third base is certainly a concern for the Yankees with the trade deadline approaching and the veteran struggling.
With LeMahieu out of Thursday’s lineup, Oswaldo Cabrera manned the hot corner.
OTHER POSITION PLAYER UPDATES
Boone said that he’s not worried about Juan Soto (bruised hand) needing downtime. The slugger was wearing a wrap on his hand on Wednesday, and he took a painful swing the day before.
“It’s kind of a pain tolerance thing,” Boone said. “I feel like we’re in an okay spot with it.”
Jon Berti (calf) is still expected to stay in Tampa at the Yankees’ player development complex through the All-Star break. Boone said he could start a rehab assignment after that. Berti is already running at 95%.
Anthony Rizzo (fractured arm) has started doing some weight room work, but Boone said he’s still “pretty restricted.”
WHAT ABOUT RELIEVERS?
Scott Effross (back/Tommy John surgeries) is still “getting close,” but it’s unclear how many more rehab games he’ll need. Boone said it’s possible the pitcher returns before the end of the month.
“We’ll see,” the manager added.
Boone also said that Nick Burdi (hip) had a bit of a setback recently, but he’s expected to get back on the mound on Friday.
Ian Hamilton (lat) started his throwing program a couple days ago.
