The New York Yankees are in the midst of a crucial stretch as they head into a significant three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. The team has announced a series of roster changes aimed at strengthening their lineup and addressing injuries that have plagued key players.
One of the most notable changes is the placement of infielder DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list, a move brought about by a lingering right hip impingement. "It's been something that's been kind of lingering on him the last couple of weeks. He's been getting treatment on it. It's kind of better some days, worse the others," explained Yankees manager Aaron Boone. LeMahieu's season has been marred by injuries; he missed New York's first 55 games due to a fracture in his right foot and has been limited to a .204 batting average with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games this season. Last season, he batted .243 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 136 games.
In a move that has generated considerable excitement among fans, the Yankees have recalled their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 20-year-old phenom has had a standout season in the minors, batting .314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs across three levels. Despite an oblique injury that sidelined him on June 15 and kept him out until July 26, Domínguez has since batted .309 with seven homers and 25 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He is set to make his major league debut in center field and bat sixth in the lineup, with plans to also see time in left field. Reflecting the team's confidence in him, Boone said, "I think you know my thoughts on him. I've been a huge fan ever since I met him. Just love his makeup, his talent and he's earned this opportunity." He added, "Like I said on Sept. 1 when we didn't initially recall Jasson, he's in the conversation every single day. I think as much as anything, it's just continuing to build the momentum he's built here over the last few weeks."
To make room on the roster, the Yankees have designated reliever Anthony Misiewicz for assignment. Misiewicz made only one appearance for New York this season but had a solid showing in Triple-A, where he posted a 3-2 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances.
In yet another roster shift, the Yankees have activated Jon Berti from the injured list. Berti, who missed 90 games due to a left calf strain, is expected to provide versatility and depth. Prior to his injury, Berti was hitting .273 with one homer and six RBIs in 17 games. He was acquired in a spring training trade with the Miami Marlins and had a dramatic injury moment when he collapsed in pain a few steps out of the batter's box in San Diego on May 24.
As the Yankees adjust to these changes, the team and its supporters remain hopeful that the new roster configuration will prove beneficial. With the emergence of young talent like Jasson Domínguez and the return of seasoned players such as Jon Berti, the Yankees are looking to navigate this crucial series with both immediate performance and long-term potential in mind. Aaron Boone and the entire organization are hopeful that these moves will position the team strongly as they enter this critical phase of the season.