Yankees' DJ LeMahieu avoids surgery, says foot now '100%' https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35695213/yankees-dj-lemahieu-avoided-surgery-says-foot-now-100 TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu reported to spring training in full health after avoiding right foot surgery in the offseason. LeMahieu opted for a nonsurgical recovery plan from a foot fracture that he was unable to overcome with a stint on the injured list and multiple cortisone shots in the second half of the 2022 season. Eventually, the injury became so problematic that LeMahieu was forced to miss the postseason for a second year in a row, having ended the 2021 season on the injured list with a hip issue and later undergoing surgery for a core muscle injury. "[Foot surgery] was definitely under consideration," LeMahieu said at the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa on Sunday. "But we weren't sure if we wanted to do surgery on the big toe, the second toe or both. It was just never clear like, 'This was going to be it, and this is the rehab, and this is how it's going to feel,' so I think I made the right decision." LeMahieu said that he feels "100 percent" and has been able to train with no limitations on his toe. Manager Aaron Boone praised his physical conditioning. "I'm really excited about where DJ's at," Boone said during his spring training kickoff news conference. "[It is] 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." The generally reserved LeMahieu was also open about the adjustments that he will need to make at this point in his career, particularly in taking care of his body. "When you're banged up, don't feel like yourself, it's frustrating, and I'm excited where I'm at," said LeMahieu, who turns 35 in July. "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." LeMahieu also thinks his missed postseason will provide additional motivation coming into spring. "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 said. "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." The versatile infielder is also looking forward to continuing in a utility role with the Yankees, as the club continues to evaluate and manage a role for embattled second baseman Gleyber Torres. "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," LeMahieu said. "I'm so excited where I'm at right now. The way the season ended for me, and our team, just where I'm at physically and mentally, to be back, I just I feel like I'm in a really good place and really excited to be around the guys."
Just to piggy back on Dj, I believe if he can stay healthy and produce anywhere near what he contributed offensively in 2019 and 2020, not to mention solid defense no matter where he plays, he could be that key piece that just might put the Yanx over the top. Hitting in front of Judge, Rizzo, and Stanton should garner him a lot of good pitches to hit.
Lord, I hope so too! "As LeMahieu goes so go the Yankees imo. Solid Gold Glove anywhere he plays, and He's a natural leader, Batting Champion, and Silver Slugger. Now if he can stay healthy (as it goes with this entire team too often), then perhaps DJ can garner an MVP... that or ~ Rizzo staying healthy, keeping the Gold Glove Caliber of play with the leather, while improving his overall offensive numbers should be a given IF Rizzo stays healthy, simply due to the accumulation of statistics over more games played, more output, etc. IF Rizzo could increase his B'Avg by say .020 pts he too could be in the talk for an MVP!
Where does he play though. Rizzo at first, Gleyber at 2nd and according to the worst manager in baseball donaldson at third due for a comeback season. Unless he dh's and Stanton goes to the outfield and will soon be hurt. this team needs to just buy out Donaldson already and move on as Donaldson sucks ass!
Trade talks are still going on and Torres and Donaldson's names keep popping up...regardless, if DJ is as healthy as they say, neither Torres nor Donaldson deserve to start over DJ. They'd prefer that DJ plays at his normal position, 2B....they are also considering moving Judge to LF with Stanton playing RF, which is a move I'm not crazy about.
