DJ LeMahieu’s humbling interview proves Oswaldo Cabrera’s Yankees impact isn’t fading

DJ LeMahieu finally made his return to the New York Yankees this week, and it couldn't have come at a better time in the wake of Oswaldo Cabrera's unfortunate injury. LeMahieu got the start Wednesday and went 1-for-3 with a walk. Then, on Saturday against the Mets, he went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and made a couple of sterling defensive plays at second base. We'll take it!

After he was activated in Seattle, however, LeMahieu spoke with YES reporter Meredith Marakovits extensively about his road back and what fans can expect from him after the long layoff. First of all, three minutes might not sound like a long time, but it's an absolute eternity for someone as soft spoken as LeMahieu. Secondly ... man, this was a humbling conversation for anybody who listened to it in its entirety.

It was a similar situation when LeMahieu arrived to spring training and talked to the media. He said he had lost a ton of sleep over how his tenure with the Yankees has gone after he signed his six-year, $90 million deal. It certainly didn't make fans feel good, but everybody empathized with him. If the folks in the crowd are frustrated, just imagine how the player feels.

LeMahieu was one of the best players in baseball from 2019-2020 before injuries took hold and diminished his play/availability. In the end, the Yankees have nobody to blame but themselves, but at least LeMahieu is back, humbled, and ready to provide whatever he can.

On the surface, his responses to Marakovits are a bit depressing, but fans should rally with the utmost support.

DJ LeMahieu's humbling interview should have opposite effect on Yankees fans

LeMahieu's early returns since fighting his way back from a calf injury in spring training provide good reason to get on the Positivity Train. The man has been through the wringer and has a prime opportunity to carve out an important role as the Yankees try to figure out their infield situation before the trade deadline.

LeMahieu's quote "ego's been checked a little while ago" and his response of "we'll see" when asked what he'll be capable of speak volumes. He told Aaron Boone that he's ready to assume whatever role is needed, which is the exact fan-favorite mentality everybody feared would lose steam after Cabrera's injury.

Maybe Cabrera left a piece of his spirit in LeMahieu as a little parting gift for Yankees fans after his injury. Either way, nobody experienced the type of pain and frustration LeMahieu went through as he's battled back to full strength, and he deserves a little bit of grace while the vibes are high in the Bronx with this early-season start.