Yankees Announce that Plans for DJ LeMahieu Have Hit an Unexpected Snag

This time, DJ LeMahieu was derailed by weather, not health. After two straight rainouts at his Triple-A rehab, the New York Yankees’ veteran infielder will likely extend his time in the minors and push back his return to the majors.

“There was some talk that maybe DJ LeMahieu would join the team during this series,” YES Network’s Meredith Marakovitz said. “He was supposed to play in a rehab game tonight. However, that was postponed due to rain. So it's looking more likely that he'll join the team during the Seattle series, so that is something to keep an eye on there."

After suffering a left calf strain in spring training, LeMahieu was placed on the 10‑day injured list retroactive to March 24. After a brief hiatus to get a cortisone shot in his hip as a precaution, LeMahieu had been progressing pretty steadily.

That was until Mother Nature stepped in.

The Yankees could really use the veteran right-handed hitter. Second baseman Jazz Chisholm, Jr., is on the injured list with a strained oblique and is likely to miss at least a month. Prospect Jorbit Vivas and Oswald Peraza are playing second base with Chisholm on the injured list. LeMahieu has been playing second base in his rehab assignments.

Even with that need, because his recent history of injuries – and he is 36 years old – the Yankees have been cautious with his return. They wanted him to have an extended rehab assignment to make sure he is at full speed when he returns.

When healthy, LeMahieu has been invaluable for the Yankees.

Since signing his six-year, $90 million deal in 2021, however, LeMahieu has been plagued by injuries. The three-time All-Star and two-time batting champion has seen his production decline with each injury. A foot fracture limited him to just 67 games in 2024, and he hit only .204.