KANSAS CITY, Mo. — DJ LeMahieu’s well being isn’t solely making a distinction on the plate.
Although his offense is the largest purpose why the Yankees worth LeMahieu, his glove is an much more essential a part of his sport this season, particularly now that he’s the all-purpose infielder the Yankees envisioned after they first signed him.
LeMahieu was within the lineup at third base on Friday night time within the Yankees’ 12-2 blowout win over the Royals. It was his eighth begin of the season at third, in comparison with seven at second, two at brief and one at DH.
“I really feel snug defensively all over the place now,’’ LeMahieu stated of the impression offseason sports activities hernia surgical procedure had on him. “I really feel faster and may get to a couple extra balls and set my toes higher to throw.”
That’s had essentially the most impression at third, the place LeMahieu — who performed one other error-less sport and went 2-for-4 with an RBI single within the Yankees’ win — has made a number of lengthy throws throughout the diamond that he doubtless couldn’t have made at varied factors of final season.
And with the Yankees bringing the 36-year-old Josh Donaldson alongside slowly — particularly on protection — LeMahieu’s capacity to play there constantly has been worthwhile.
He’s additionally made Gleyber Torres’ gradual begin simpler to take care of, since LeMahieu can slide over there or fill-in when Anthony Rizzo wants a time without work at first base.
Although LeMahieu has constructed a fame as a powerful hitter — and has appeared the half once more within the first month of this season — he stated Friday he considers himself a “defense-first” participant.
“I get pleasure from that a part of my sport,’’ LeMahieu stated. “Most of my profession, I used to be extra about my protection, however I used to be in a position to hit nicely, too. I’ll take it.”
He added that when he first acquired to the majors, it was largely due to his glove.
“Little question, that’s what acquired me to the large leagues,” LeMahieu stated. “It wasn’t my bat. I may hit, however the protection in all probability stored me there [in the majors] for some time after I was struggling earlier than my bat was in a position to catch up. I nonetheless view myself that means and take a number of delight in protection.”
Aaron Boone has famous how way more athletic LeMahieu appears to be like this yr in comparison with 2021 and the superior metrics are inclined to again that up- particularly at third.
Whereas Fangraphs ranks LeMahieu as a barely beneath common second baseman this yr, with a destructive defensive runs scored quantity, however he’s stood out at third, the place he would rank second in DRS (with two) if he performed there sufficient to qualify — behind solely San Diego’s Manny Machado (who has 5) and tied with Nolan Arenado of the Cardinals.
“I simply really feel higher general and it makes a big impact in my sport,’’ LeMahieu stated. “And I discover it extra at third, the place I’m in a position to play at a better caliber this yr.”
That versatility has performed an element within the Yankees’ improved protection all through the crew, the place Donaldson has been good when he’s been at third, Isiah Kiner-Falefa above common at shortstop and Rizzo wonderful at first, the place Boone referred to as him “the anchor” of the infield.
The Yankees entered Friday with out having made an error of their earlier 12 video games, the crew’s longest such streak since 2013.
Whereas there have been loads of causes — together with a extra sturdy offense — for the crew’s improved play and ensuing six-game successful streak, the protection can’t be discounted.
“It looks as if we’re fairly regular on the market and everyone seems to be contributing to that a part of the sport,’’ LeMahieu stated.
Given his willingness to maneuver round, maybe nobody has contributed greater than LeMahieu.
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