:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69945001/1235528598.0.jpg)
As if the possibility of playing two straight win-or-go-home games this week was not bad enough, the New York Yankees announced Sunday afternoon that DJ LeMahieu was headed to the injured list, as the team feels that he is “too compromised” to play with a sports hernia that they already announced will need offseason surgery. The decision came after he went through a workout in the weight room, took grounders on the field, and hit in the batting cage prior early in the afternoon.
According to manager Aaron Boone, the Yankees plan to utilize the trio of Rougned Odor, Tyler Wade, and Andrew Velazquez to replace the injured infielder. Odor, manning third base, will start this afternoon, with Gio Urshela remaining at shortstop.
Aaron Boone says the plan going forward to replace DJ LeMahieu is to use Andrew Velazquez, Tyler Wade and Rougned Odor, mixing and matching depending on who the #Yankees are facing.
— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) October 3, 2021
Still, a huge loss for this club.
The Yankees believe that LeMahieu could be in play to return for a potential ALCS, although at the moment, worrying about that feels like putting the cart before the horse.
With the Yankees already having three backup infielders on the 28-man roster and in need of a fresh arm today (and given the potential elimination game tomorrow), they opted to recall pitcher Luis Gil from Triple-A Scranton. Gil, who was scheduled to start today for the RailRiders, could eat innings behind today’s starter Jameson Taillon and help keep the big arms of the bullpen fresh for tomorrow if things do not go according to plan.
Here is the official announcement from the team:
Prior to today’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 3, 2021
• Placed INF DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to 10/1) with a right sports hernia.
• Recalled RHP Luis Gil (#81) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.