The Yankees are finishing up a four-game set with the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday and Thursday, then playing three games on the road against the San Diego Padres before playing the Angels next week in DJ LeMahieu’s scheduled return from injury. He is scheduled to play with the Hudson Valley Renegades and the Somerset Patriots

LeMahieu has not played yet this season for the Yankees due to a foot injury that he suffered during spring training. This was a scary moment for Yankees fans due to his history with foot injuries. In 2022, LeMahieu had a very strong first half of the season, but his season was derailed by a foot injury he suffered in the second half. That hampered his production offensively and eventually put him on the IL.

It seemed like that foot injury hampered LeMahieu in 2023, when he struggled in the first half offensively. Despite the Yankees being out of the picture, LeMahieu put together a strong second half in 2023, which was one of the few bright spots heading into 2024, until he suffered the foot injury that has kept him out to this point in the season.

What will DJ LeMahieu’s role with the Yankees be when he returns?

The hope is that LeMahieu can come back and be the regular third baseman. That was the plan heading into the season, and it remains the plan when he comes back. New York has played Oswaldo Cabrera and John Berti for the majority of the time at third base, and while they have held it down fine during this hot start, LeMahieu’s ceiling is likely higher.

When it comes to the lineup, LeMahieu will likely not slot back into the familiar leadoff spot, as Anthony Volpe has taken that role with his solid play so far this season. Volpe is also in the midst of a 14-game hit streak as of right now. He is getting on base in front of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, and that is all anyone could ask for. Not to mention, Volpe’s speed is an advantage and something that LeMahieu does not bring.

It would make sense for the Yankees to slot LeMahieu in the seven hole in the lineup, as the top six as currently constructed have been very productive. LeMahieu would give the Yankees a hitter who has a history of being good with runners in scoring position in the bottom third of the lineup, while Gleyber Torres and the catchers take up the last two spots in the lineup.

The Yankees are off to a great start, and they are likely getting one of their more significant contributors back that they have been missing soon. After LeMahieu’s return, all attention turns to Gerrit Cole’s progress.