DJ LeMahieu, the New York Yankees’ third baseman, has been struggling at the plate lately, going 0-for-17 in his last few games. Despite his slump, Yankees manager Aaron Boone plans to continue giving LeMahieu regular playing time. Boone believes that LeMahieu has earned the opportunity to work through his struggles and unlock his potential as a hitter. However, LeMahieu’s performance has been subpar this season, with an OPS of .474, putting him among the worst hitters with at least 140 plate appearances.
One notable aspect of LeMahieu’s season is his increased ground-ball rate, which currently stands at a career-high 58.4 percent. Additionally, LeMahieu has been swinging at nearly 10 percent fewer pitches in the strike zone compared to the average MLB hitter. These tendencies have contributed to his struggles at the plate, such as watching a sinker down the middle for a strikeout with runners on base.
Despite LeMahieu’s struggles, Boone remains optimistic about his season. Boone points to LeMahieu’s track record as a two-time batting champion, with his most recent title coming in the shortened 2020 season. However, it is clear that LeMahieu is not performing at the same level as he was in 2020.
Given LeMahieu’s slump, the Yankees should consider upgrading their third base position before the July 30 trade deadline. In the meantime, they could give Oswaldo Cabrera more playing time to see if he can provide a spark for the team. The trade deadline could bring significant changes to the Yankees’ roster, but Boone does not want to speculate on potential moves at this time.
On the pitching side, Yankees starter Nestor Cortes has struggled in his recent outings against the Tampa Bay Rays. In his past two starts, Cortes has allowed a total of 11 runs, including three home runs. Against the Rays, Cortes has given up 15 runs across four games this season. Cortes attributes his struggles to the Rays’ familiarity with his pitching strengths and his inability to locate his pitches effectively.
The Yankees’ starting rotation has been a weakness for the team, as they have lost 19 of their last 30 games. While adding another starting pitcher may not be their top priority, it could benefit the team in the long run. Cortes believes that the front office will make moves to improve the team and that they are just a few steps away from being great.
Another player the Yankees have been missing is outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, who has been out with a strained hamstring since late June. Stanton is progressing in his rehab and is back to full baseball activities. However, the team wants him to be fully recovered before returning to the lineup. Stanton’s absence has been felt, as the Yankees have had the worst OPS from their cleanup hitters this season.
In terms of bullpen updates, JT Brubaker, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates, has suffered an oblique injury while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. The injury will set back Brubaker’s recovery by three to four weeks, and he could potentially miss the entire 2024 season. Scott Effross, who has been rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and back surgery, has been optioned to Triple-A. The Yankees want to see more from Effross before considering promoting him to the majors.
Overall, the Yankees are facing challenges both offensively and on the pitching front. While LeMahieu’s struggles are concerning, Boone remains hopeful that he can find his groove again. The trade deadline could provide an opportunity for the team to address their needs and improve their chances of success. Stanton’s return will also be a significant boost to the lineup. However, it remains to be seen how the Yankees will navigate these challenges and make the necessary adjustments for a successful season.