TAMPA — DJ LeMahieu was not within the Yankees’ Opening Day lineup in 2019 however nonetheless put collectively an All-Star season whereas piling up 655 at-bats.
The infielder might be in the same place on Thursday, however he and the Yankees will surely take the identical finish outcome.
Supervisor Aaron Boone was not but prepared on Tuesday to disclose his lineup for the opener in opposition to the Crimson Sox, however it’s not a assure that LeMahieu might be in it. Relying on how they need to line up in opposition to Crimson Sox right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, the Yankees might select to go along with Josh Donaldson at third base, Gleyber Torres at second base, Isiah Kiner-Falefa at shortstop and Anthony Rizzo at first base.
LeMahieu, who is anticipated to maneuver across the infield this season in an on a regular basis utility position, mentioned he wouldn't be disillusioned if his identify shouldn't be in Thursday’s beginning lineup.
“There’s all the time a number of deal with Opening Day, however it’s undoubtedly a marathon,” LeMahieu mentioned Tuesday earlier than the Yankees broke camp.
LeMahieu performed 150 video games final season — together with 77 begins at second base, 36 begins at third base and 33 begins at first base — however struggled on the plate, batting .268 with a .711 OPS, earlier than lacking the tip of the season with a sports activities hernia that required surgical procedure.
The 33-year-old — who's within the second 12 months of a six-year, $90 million contract — mentioned he feels wholesome once more after having a “heightened focus” within the offseason on ensuring he took care of his physique. He completed Grapefruit League play batting 9-for-30 with an .831 OPS.
“I really feel actually good,” LeMahieu mentioned. “I feel the staff is in a very great spot. The shortened spring has put an emphasis on high quality over amount, which I feel has helped us. So I feel it’s been good.”
Boone has constantly mentioned this spring that the Yankees’ crowded infield would work itself out with everybody getting loads of at-bats. And although they remained wholesome by means of spring coaching, LeMahieu believes their depth and flexibility will serve them properly to take care of inevitable accidents through the season.
“You see guys shifting round positions a bit of bit greater than the previous couple years,” LeMahieu mentioned. “I feel that may solely profit us staying on the sector. Generally previously, if a man goes down right here or there, it’s actually taken an enormous hit. So hopefully — accidents are going to occur — however after we hit these bumps within the highway, hopefully now we have guys which might be extra ready to step up.”
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