DJ LeMahieu's Opening Day Chances Take Big Hit With Latest Injury Update

The New York Yankees will likely have a new starting third baseman later this week when they open up the 2024 regular season against the Houston Astros.

The Yankees were looking forward to veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu being in the starting lineup for first pitch on Thursday, but that dream has been derailed by a foot injury. 

The 35-year-old LeMahieu suffered the injury last week against the Toronto Blue Jays as he fouled a ball off his right foot. Last week, it was reported that the veteran slugger “didn’t push” his footwork exercises and moving “gingerly.”

Yankees News: DJ LeMahieu Likely Out for Opening Day

With that in mind, things haven’t improved for LeMahieu, who will be a “long shot” to be ready for Opening Day, per manager Aaron Boone. 

Based on that latest update from Boone, the Yankees must prepare as if they won’t have LeMahieu for the foreseeable future. Therefore, New York might turn to 25-year-old Oswaldo Cabrera to hold down the hot corner.

Boone spoke glowingly about Cabrera’s performance at the plate in Spring Training over the weekend. “I’m excited that the last two weeks, he’s really swinging the bat well,” said Boone (h/t Steven Kornacki of MLB.com). 

"Just good at-bats. The first few weeks of camp, he was struggling offensively a little bit. And coming on the heels of last year, when it was a struggle for him offensively, getting some traction here over the last two weeks is nice.” 

Cabrera is hitting only .213 with two home runs and three RBI across 20 games. However, he has an OBP of .302 and.362 SLG, which is a good sign heading into the regular season. The Yankees are counting on Cabrera to take that next step in his development as they prepare for life without LeMahieu.

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