New York Yankees: DJ LeMahieu returning more important with Gio Urshela news
By David Hill
The New York Yankees are hoping to bring DJ LeMahieu back to the fold. That will be even more important given that Gio Urshela will have a delayed start in spring training.
It is no secret that the New York Yankees want DJ LeMahieu back. He had become a star in his two years in New York, a valuable piece atop the Yankees lineup. His ability to play first, second, and third was vital with their rash of injuries. The Yankees need LeMahieu back.
His return is even more important given the news surrounding third baseman Gio Urshela. The Yankees third baseman underwent a procedure on Friday to remove a bone chip from his right elbow and is facing a three month recovery time.
INF Gio Urshela underwent surgery today to remove a bone chip from his right elbow. The procedure was performed by Yankees Head Team Physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital & went as expected. Urshela’s anticipated recovery time from surgery is 3 months.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) December 5, 2020
At this point, Urshela’s recovery time would put him to early March, just after the time that spring training games would begin. He would still have approximately a month to get in game shape and be ready for Opening Day. But it would still behoove the Yankees to have a proven option at third just in case.
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Right now, that option is Miguel Andujar. He had once been considered the Yankees third baseman of the future, even finishing second in the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year vote, but his time appears to have passed. Injuries gave Urshela the opportunity to seize the job, and Andujar has not been able to return to form since.
This makes LeMahieu even more important. He spent 63 games over his two seasons in New York at the hot corner, showing solid defense when called upon. The Yankees have not exactly been a bastion of health over the past two years, making his versatility all the more important.
That could be the case once again early in 2021. Although Urshela should be ready to go, setbacks do happen. The Yankees may also want to give him a few days off during the beginning of the year, making the backup third baseman loom larger. LeMahieu already filled a vital role; in 2021, he could be even more important.
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Of course, the New York Yankees have to get DJ LeMahieu to return first. If they can, they will be able to handle any setbacks for Gio Urshela much easier.