Around the Empire: Yankees news - 8/15/20

New York Post | George A. King III: The Yankees have faced a lot of adversity this season. But, there’s been one constant, just like last year: DJ LeMahieu with the bat and on the field. LeMahieu leads the American League in batting average, on-base percentage and OPS, and says he’s “locked in” at the plate. His future is still uncertain as a pending free agent, but given his status on the field and as a clubhouse leader, too, he’ll likely be in pinstripes for a long time.

ESPN | Marly Rivera: Aaron Judge was placed on the injured list yesterday with a calf strain, but this feature piece on Number 99 is still worth sharing. Judge has been a terrific ambassador for the game who isn’t afraid to put himself out there, although, as the piece mentions, that only happens when he’s out on the field. Calf strains and hit-by-pitches are freak accidents, but Judge mentioned trying to play “smarter” and learning from experience on how to avoid contact to stay healthier in the future, when possible.

New York Times | James Wagner: As one door closes, another opens. Clint Frazier looks to be the favorite to play every day in right field for the foreseeable future, and this is his best chance yet to stake his claim to the MLB team. Frazier has had an odd journey with the Yankees, one he has rightfully called “frustrating,” but according to Red Thunder, the player the Yankees are getting now is “the best player [he’s] ever been.”