DJ LeMahieu’s return to the field hit a snag on Tuesday as his first rehab game lasted just one at-bat. The seasoned Yankees third baseman was pulled from the game with Double-A Somerset due to soreness in his right foot, the team announced. LeMahieu struck out in his lone at-bat and played only two innings in the field before being sidelined.
This setback comes after LeMahieu had been sidelined since March 16, following a non-displaced fracture in his right foot from fouling a ball. Initially scheduled to begin his rehab assignment last Friday, a follow-up MRI prompted doctors to delay his return by a few days for further healing.
Manager Aaron Boone disclosed that LeMahieu did not undergo another MRI on Monday but was deemed fit to commence playing in games on Tuesday. The original plan was for the 35-year-old to participate in four games this week and potentially rejoin the Yankees in Baltimore next week. However, with this unexpected development, his return timeline now hangs in the balance.
LeMahieu’s return to New York on Wednesday will include a re-examination by the Yankees’ team physician to assess the extent of the foot soreness and determine the next steps in his recovery process. This latest setback adds uncertainty to the Yankees’ lineup and raises concerns about when LeMahieu will be able to contribute at full capacity once again.