Report: DJ LeMahieu Suffers Another Injury; Out For Opening Day
Veteran Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu has suffered yet another setback, this time a Grade 1 or 2 calf strain that will sideline him for at least "a couple weeks," according to team officials.
The injury, sustained during his first appearance of the spring, places his status for Opening Day in serious doubt.
This continues a concerning trend for the 36-year-old, who appeared in only 67 games last season due to lingering foot and hip ailments, hitting a career-worst .204/.269/.259.
DJ LeMahieu will be shut down from baseball activities for at least the next couple of weeks due to a calf strain, according to @GJoyce9.
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) March 6, 2025
The Yankees have yet to iron out an exact timeline for his return. pic.twitter.com/g3bcZxwEA0
With LeMahieu’s status uncertain, the Yankees are expected to lean on younger talent, notably Oswaldo Cabrera, who hit .268 with a .729 OPS against right-handed pitching last season.
Cabrera appears poised to begin the season as the team's starting third baseman, while former top prospect Oswald Peraza, who is out of minor-league options, also remains firmly in the mix.
General manager Brian Cashman's recent decisions, including passing on affordable veteran infielder José Iglesias, have drawn scrutiny given LeMahieu's recurring health issues and the club's broader roster questions.
Despite adding notable veterans Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, the Yankees lost significant pieces in Juan Soto and Gleyber Torres, leading many to question the team's depth entering the season.
DJ LeMahieu has no timeline for return after being diagnosed with a calf strain https://t.co/5An7C5F6V6 pic.twitter.com/pcwQFZEIGK
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 6, 2025
With LeMahieu now unlikely for Opening Day and coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign (.204/.269/.259 in just 67 games), some view Cashman's decision to pass on affordable alternatives like Iglesias as a missed opportunity.
As Opening Day approaches, speculation mounts that the Yankees could seek external help, with players like Pittsburgh’s Ke’Bryan Hayes or veteran free-agent J.D. Martinez potentially becoming targets.
Photo Credit: David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK
