Aug 27, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Yankees third baseman DJ LeMahieu (26) fields the ball at first base against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

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Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu just can’t catch a break: ‘Is this a sick joke?’

DJ LeMahieu's reaction was akin to most Yankees fans...

Injuries just won’t leave DJ LeMahieu alone. Fresh off a disappointing, injury-laden 2024 season, the veteran infielder barely made it through his first spring training game before discomfort set in – another frustrating blow in what’s becoming an all-too-familiar pattern.

LeMahieu stepped up for just his second at-bat of the spring on Saturday when he felt a twinge in his left calf while running to first base.

DJ LeMahieu hurt his calf during today’s game, per @BryanHoch

Aaron Boone described it as “at least a little concerning” pic.twitter.com/VqNrgUMXtV
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) March 1, 2025

The timing couldn’t have been worse. Hours after the Yankees confirmed that Giancarlo Stanton would miss Opening Day for the first time in his career, another key veteran was down with an injury. This was all just one day after the news on Luis Gil’s MRI.

“Are you kidding me? Are you serious right now? Is this a sick joke?” LeMahieu said, summing up the exasperation that many Yankees fans likely felt in that moment.

It’s sad but I think DJ LeMahieu era has come to an end.
— Marci Rusen (@NYYankeeFanInLA) March 2, 2025

He hasn’t undergone an MRI yet but admitted the calf remains sore. “It’s probably gonna be a little bit before I start doing baseball stuff again,” he said, offering little reassurance about his return.

DJ LeMahieu’s frustrating pattern

The 36-year-old spent his offseason prioritizing flexibility and durability rather than baseball activity, hoping to avoid another season derailed by injuries. Yet, here he is again, forced to the sidelines before spring training even gets into full swing.

DJ LeMahieu with a possible single off Sean Boyle pic.twitter.com/T9Ck9Jpgyn
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) February 18, 2025

Yankees manager Aaron Boone declined to give a timeline for LeMahieu’s return, calling it “tough news, but hopefully not something that’s too, too long.” But given LeMahieu’s recent history with lower-body issues, it’s hard not to brace for the worst.

Despite the setback, LeMahieu remains determined to be a key part of the Yankees’ plans.

ALSO READ: Marcus Stroman falls short in first chance to step up after Luis Gil’s injury

With two years and $30 million left on his contract, he still believes he can contribute at a high level. But availability is just as important as ability, and right now, the biggest question isn’t whether LeMahieu can perform, it’s whether he can stay on the field.

DJ LeMahieu

Yankees

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.