DJ LeMahieu Set to Make 2025 Season Debut for Yankees Wednesday in Seattle
The New York Yankees are getting a much-needed boost as veteran utility player DJ LeMahieu is expected to be activated off the injured list and make his 2025 season debut on Wednesday in Seattle, during the team’s third matchup against the Mariners.
LeMahieu, 36, has struggled with injuries over the past few years and hasn’t played in more than 150 games since 2021. While it’s unlikely he’ll return to the form that saw him dominate at the plate during his peak seasons, his return still brings valuable experience and versatility.
LeMahieu’s standout campaigns in 2019 and 2020 set a high standard. In 2019, he finished fourth in AL MVP voting, putting up a .327/.375/.518 slash line with 26 home runs and 102 RBIs, along with an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger award. The following year, during the COVID-shortened season, he hit .364 and finished third in the MVP race.
The last significant contribution from LeMahieu came in 2022 when he won a Gold Glove as a utility player. That year, he played in 125 games, appearing at first base (35), second base (41), and third base (47), showcasing his defensive value across the infield.
During LeMahieu’s absence this season, the Yankees have used a rotating cast at second and third base. Jazz Chisholm Jr. initially filled the role before his own injury, followed by Jorbit Vivas and Pablo Reyes. Meanwhile, Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera have shared duties at third. However, Cabrera is now expected to be sidelined for an extended period after sustaining a serious leg injury during Monday night’s win over Seattle.
The Yankees have also shuffled their leadoff spot throughout the season. Ben Rice, Paul Goldschmidt, and Trent Grisham have all spent time at the top of the order, while Austin Wells had a brief stint before struggling to adjust at the plate. Although Rice and Goldschmidt have produced impressive numbers, their run-production potential is limited in the leadoff role.
At his peak, LeMahieu was a strong and steady presence at the top of the order and helped unlock the lineup’s full potential. Whether he can recapture that consistency remains uncertain, but his return is a welcome sign for a team looking to find stability in the infield and atop the lineup.
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