DJ LeMahieu ended a nearly 10-month home run drought on Saturday, launching a solo shot to right field in the third inning of the Yankees' game against the Mets. It was his first homer since July 31, 2024, when he hit a grand slam against the Phillies. This long-awaited blast opened the scoring for the Yankees, giving them a 1–0 lead.
The usually reserved LeMahieu pumped his fists emphatically as he rounded the bases, seeming to acknowledge the frustrations he had been through. LeMahieu has struggled with injuries since he signed a six-year, $90 million deal with the Yankees. Plagued by injuries, LeMahieu’s production has been limited. He began the 2024 season on the injured list due to a non-displaced fracture in his right foot, which hindered him throughout the year. He began this season on the injured list with a calf strain and needed a cortisone shot in his hip during rehab.
When he returned from the injured list this week, LeMahieu was uncertain of his future with the Yankees.
"I told Boonie already, I'm ready to help this team," LeMahieu told YES Network’s Meredith Marakovitz. "You know, whatever role that is, I'm good with. The ego's been checked a little while ago."
But clearly, there still is a lot of pride for a player who was a two-time batting champion. With Oswaldo Cabrera’s injury season-ending and Jazz Chisholm, Jr. out with an oblique injury, LeMahieu will get a chance to play and prove himself again.
Saturday's homer will be a big step for LeMahieu and the Yankees. It clearly meant a lot to him.
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