Yankees unsure if DJ LeMahieu will return from hip injury

When the Yankees announced a flurry of roster moves before Monday’s series opener against the Royals, the promotion of Jasson Domínguez stole the show.

But the team also activated Jon Berti off the injured list following a calf strain, designated Anthony Misiewicz for assignment and placed DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to Sept. 6) with a right hip impingement.

The last move came as a surprise, but Aaron Boone said LeMahieu’s hip has been “lingering on him the last couple weeks.” Some days, it’s felt better than others, but LeMahieu has been getting treatment.

Boone added that he didn’t know if something specific initially caused LeMahieu’s hip to act up. The manager said the infielder’s previous injuries, including core surgery in 2021 and a broken foot earlier this year, may have taken a toll on the veteran.

“It could just be a result of the wear and tear and the rigors of the season,” Boone reasoned.

Asked if he expects LeMahieu back this year, Boone said, “I don’t know.” He added the infielder was getting an MRI on Monday.

There’s a chance LeMahieu isn’t back with the Yankees at all after this. While he is still owed $30 million over two more seasons, the 36-year-old has looked like a shell of his former self this year.

A two-time batting champ, LeMahieu is hitting .204/.269/.259 with two homers, 26 RBI and a 51 wRC+ over 67 games since the broken foot, which delayed the start of his season. He seemed like a clear cut for the Yankees’ postseason roster despite entering spring training as Boone’s preferred leadoff man and starting third baseman.

BERTI BACK

While LeMahieu may not suit up for the Yankees again this season, Berti gives the team even more versatility.

The speedster has experience at every position except first base and catcher. Berti has only played third base during his limited major league stints this season, but he got some reps in left field toward the end of his rehab assignment. With Jazz Chisholm Jr., a former Marlins teammate, now manning the hot corner, the expectation is that the Yankees will move Berti around.

“It’s a lot more running than third base,” he said of left field, “but it was good.”

Berti hasn’t played in a major league game since May 24 due to his calf strain, which suffered a setback, and he’s only played in 17 games since being acquired from Miami before the season started. Berti also suffered a groin strain in April.

The right-handed hitter entered Monday’s game slashing .273/.322/.327 with one home run, six RBI and four stolen bases. Berti also hit  .361/.429/.556 with two homers and five RBI over an 11-game rehab assignment split between Double-A and Triple-A.

CLEMENTE NOMINEE

Major League Baseball released every team’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award on Monday. Marcus Stroman was the Yankees’ nominee for the award, which is held in high regard by players and is given to the one who best represents the sport through character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions on and off the field.

Stroman, a Medford, New York, native, has held a series of meet-and-greets with local kids and community organizations this season, including the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, DREAM Charter Schools, the YMCA and NYPD Blue Chips.

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