Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu reported to spring coaching in good spirits and full well being after lacking the 2022 postseason attributable to a toe harm.
LeMahieu determined to not get offseason surgical procedure for the irritation in his proper large/second toe that plagued the infielder within the second half of the 2022 season. The restoration plan has LeMahieu feeling “100 percent” and he mentioned he’s “excited” to be round his teammates once more.
“I’m so excited where I’m at right now,” LeMahieu mentioned Sunday morning on the crew’s spring coaching facility. “How the season ended for me last year and our team and just where I’m at physically and mentally and to be back. I feel like I’m in a really good place and really excited to be around the guys again.”
LeMahieu’s toe harm pressured the Yankees to be with out his contact bat for the second straight postseason. In 2021, the two-time Silver Slugger award winner ended his season on the injured listing and underwent surgical procedure for a core muscle harm. The Yankees missed his manufacturing the previous two postseasons because the crew suffered a 6-2 loss within the American League Wild Card Game in opposition to the Boston Red Sox and have been swept by the Houston Astros in final season’s ALCS.
The infielder made a push to persuade supervisor Aaron Boone to make final season’s playoff roster, however LeMahieu’s efficiency on the plate was hampered by the toe irritation. Boone monitored LeMahieu when he got here again to play 5 of the ultimate six common season video games. After watching LeMahieu hit 4-for-16 with no extra-base hits, two walks and a strikeout in these 5 video games, the supervisor determined to go away him off the postseason roster.
But on Sunday, the supervisor praised LeMahieu on how far he’s come since final season’s disappointing finish.
“I’m really excited about where DJ’s at,” Boone mentioned. “[It’s] something we’re always paying close attention to, but he’s been in a pretty good spot now for a while. He’s been down here for a while. He looks really good; he’s moving really well. It’s obviously something we have to always pay attention to with him and be mindful of, but pretty encouraged about where he’s at right now.”
LeMahieu, who turns 35 in July, spoke about making changes to make sure he stays wholesome.
“When you’re banged up, don’t feel like yourself, it’s frustrating, and I’m excited where I’m at,” mentioned LeMahieu. “I have to really make sure that physically … I can’t just go out and take a thousand swings every day or a thousand ground balls and call it a day. I really have to make sure that I’m physically ready to go every single day for the whole season. Nothing changes, that’s always the mindset, but probably spending more time making sure I can be on the field and be myself rather than making sure my swing is right.”
With the Yankees protecting their MVP Aaron Judge and signing Carlos Rodon, the crew is positioned to make a run within the postseason. LeMahieu mentioned lacking final season’s playoffs supplies “motivation” and hopes to remain on the sector to assist his crew this fall.
“That’s the worst feeling. Just kind of gives you motivation to do everything I can to stay on the field and be myself,” LeMahieu mentioned. “I’m used to playing through stuff my whole career. But it was so limiting that I couldn’t be myself, and that was extremely frustrating.”
With the Yankees nonetheless solidifying their infield and determining a strong position for second baseman Gleyber Torres, LeMahieu is open to enjoying a number of positions.
“I’m excited. I like bouncing around. Kind of the same role I’ve had the last few years here. I really like playing different positions and moving around and I think it fits my skill set well and also our team as well,” he mentioned.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com