“Yankees’ Pre-Opening Day Roster Challenges: Rotation and Infield Concerns”
The New York Yankees face two critical areas of their roster that need addressing before Opening Day: the starting rotation and the infield.
The absence of AL Cy Young ace Gerrit Cole due to an elbow injury, which will sideline him for at least 1-2 months, has garnered significant attention. However, the team now faces another setback with former All-Star and batting champion utility infielder DJ LeMahieu nursing a “pretty significant” bone bruise on his right foot, according to manager Aaron Boone’s remarks to reporters.
Fortunately, LeMahieu’s X-Rays and CT scan came back negative, and he consulted with a foot specialist, which Boone described as “encouraging.”
Despite this positive development, Boone remains uncertain whether LeMahieu will be ready for Opening Day, which is just 10 days away. While expressing hope that his slugger will recover in time for the March 28 opener, Boone acknowledges the need for a cautious approach, emphasizing that it’s a situation they need to monitor closely.
The Yankees had considered turning to infielder Oswald Peraza as an internal replacement for LeMahieu, but Peraza is sidelined for 6-8 weeks due to a sub-scapular strain in his right shoulder.
As a result, the front office may need to explore external options. Fortunately, veteran utility infielder Josh Harrison, a multi-time All-Star in his earlier career, has been suggested as a potential solution, as noted by Yankees beat reporter Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
