LeMahieu shines just as Yankees set to debut new infield
LeMahieu shines just as Yankees set to debut new infield originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
DJ LeMahieu's first four-hit game since 2021 came just in time. on With Jazz Chisholm Jr. returning from the injured list on Tuesday, the pressure was going to be on the LeMahieu to produce before a potential infield shake up at the trade deadline.
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Chisholm agreed to move to third base, allowing LeMahieu to stay at second. But it's clear the veteran's spot isn't guaranteed if his bat doesn't start coming around. The Yankees have made it known they have loyalty to LeMahieu, but they need a right-handed bat that can produce.
When asked about Chisholm's return, LeMahieu was not about to add flames to the controversy.
New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu prepares to hit against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on June 1, 2025.© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
'I'm just excited to have him back. Kind of like wherever, wherever, kind of the pieces fit,' he said. Asked about his defensive comfort at second base, LeMahieu responded, 'Yeah, I feel I am moving good defensively. I feel really good.'
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LeMahieu missed nearly six weeks this season recovering from a strained calf. Since winning his second batting title in 2020, LeMahieu signed a six-year, $90 million deal with the Yankees. But injuries and inconsistent production have defined the years since. He now has two years left on his contract.
In 2025, LeMahieu has appeared in 38 games, batting .213 with a .276 on-base percentage and a .297 slugging percentage, resulting in a .573 OPS. His walk rate has dipped to 7.5%, and his strikeout rate has risen to 23.9%. Defensively, he has been steady with a +3 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) at second base, but the offensive slump is clear.
Sunday's four-hit game was a reminder that LeMahieu won the batting title in both the National and American Leagues. He was such a steady producer at the plate that he was nicknamed "The Machine."
The Yankees need to see more of that if they are to keep him as their everyday second baseman.
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With Chisholm back at third and LeMahieu hoping to regain form, the Yankees will have to evaluate the infield dynamic carefully as the trade deadline approaches.
Related: Yankees Win Overshadowed by Concerning Injury Update from Manager
Related: Jazz Chisholm Jr. Ready to Return and Play Third Base for Yankees
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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