TAMPA, Florida: Slowly, DJ LeMahieu played. The third baseman for the New York Yankees was obviously still in discomfort as he worked on some light footwork drills in right field at an empty George M. Steinbrenner Field. He fouled a ball off the outside of his foot on Saturday, and it hurt so much that he could barely walk. He didn’t run, hit, or take grounders on Thursday. LeMahieu was obviously not going to expedite his recuperation.
The injury to LeMahieu played a significant role in our most recent Yankees roster estimate as spring training draws to a close.First in line: Aaron Judge, CF
2. RF Juan Soto
3. Torres Gleyber, 2B
4. The DH Giancarlo Stanton
Fifth Base Anthony Rizzo
6. The SS Anthony Volpe
7. LF Alex Verdugo
8. Austin Wells, C.
9. Third-base Oswaldo Cabrera
LeMahieu’s projected injury list stint to begin the season is ten days. Based on the Yankees’ history of cautiously handling injuries as well as what they’ve seen and heard from the 35-year-old during the last few days at camp, that assessment is made. We could be in error. Accidents are challenging. But it seems to be the trend.
