Once more into the breach goes DJ LeMahieu.
After completing three days of pregame workouts with the Yankees during their series in Detroit, LeMahieu is set to begin a rehab assignment Friday, likely with Double-A Somerset, as he ramps up his latest quest to prove he still has something left in the tank.
“Overall, it’s been difficult [mentally],” LeMahieu said Wednesday after hitting inside, taking ground balls and running the bases at Comerica Park. “But I’m just trying to get my body and baseball skill set to the level it needs to be and go from there.”
The veteran infielder strained his calf during his second at-bat of spring training on March 1, and now will need to rack up enough at-bats during a rehab assignment that would be close to the amount he would typically get in camp (30-40).
DJ LeMahieu fielding grounders during practice on a back field before a spring training game.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
LeMahieu has never missed an entire spring training before, so this is somewhat uncharted territory for him.
But rehab assignments for position players are capped at 20 days, and he may need most if not all of them to properly prepare himself.
DJ LeMahieu hits a double to left field against the Los Angeles Angels in the fourth inning of game two of the double-header at Yankee stadium in the Bronx, New York, USA, Wednesday, August 07, 2024.JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
While there are questions about what level of production LeMahieu will offer once he returns or what kind of role he will play (the right-handed hitting side of the third base platoon?), first he needs to prove he can stay healthy.
That has been far from a given in recent seasons for the former two-time batting champion who has been derailed by various lower leg/foot injuries.
DJ LeMahieu looks on during batting practice before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Yankee Stadium.Getty Images
“Definitely been frustrating, not being able to stay on the field,” said LeMahieu, who has two years and $30 million left on his contract. “I feel like I’ve had a pretty good track record over my career and the last couple years it’s been a lot more difficult to stay on the field and be productive.”
Adam Ottavino elected free agency Thursday in lieu of accepting an outright assignment to the minor leagues after the Yankees designated him for assignment Tuesday for the second time in a week.
In three games, Ottavino pitched 1 ²/₃ scoreless innings with three strikeouts and no hits, but four walks.
Adam Ottavino throws to first base against the Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning during a baseball game, Monday, April 7, 2025, in Detroit.AP
Austin Wells got his second day off of the season Wednesday as J.C. Escarra caught Max Fried in the 4-3 win over the Tigers.
Manager Aaron Boone said he is constantly checking with Wells, who will likely catch two of three against the Giants this weekend, to make sure he is feeling good as he settles into his first season as the full-time catcher.
Wells enters Friday batting .189 (7-for-37) with a .712 OPS.
Austin Wells runs the bases after hitting a double during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Yankee Stadium.Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“I think overall, the quality of at-bat’s there,” Boone said. “He’s missed a couple pitches when he’s had some. He’s had some tough matchups, where that part of the lineup we’re a little vulnerable to lefty specialists and stuff where they’re going to roll through there. So he’s had to face some of those. But I feel really good about him when it’s meaningful at-bats, he’s going to give you that good at-bat.”
The Yankees are scheduled to start Marcus Stroman, Will Warren and Carlos Rodón this weekend against the Giants, who will counter with Robbie Ray, Jordan Hicks and Logan Webb.
