DJ LeMahieu's latest injury is more proof of Yankees prolonging dead relationship

For the last week or so, New York Yankees fans were wondering why they hadn't yet seen DJ LeMahieu in a spring training game. He was competing for the starting third base job heading into 2025 and had plenty of rest after missing most of last year with injuries.

Then LeMahieu told the media he took a lot of time off — the longest "reset" of his career — once the 2024 campaign ended in order to get his body and mind right. Some had wondered if that would be effective, especially with how his last four years have been derailed by injuries and how the lack of consistent/healthy playing time, in a way, kept him away from the game.

But then LeMahieu was set to make his spring debut Saturday, joining Aaron Judge, who had yet to appear in a game (a development fans were much less concerned about). OK, let's see how it goes, we still have about four weeks until Opening Day.

Turns out, we won't get to see how it goes. In his second at-bat of the game, LeMahieu "tweaked" his calf, which manager Aaron Boone is describing as "at least a little concerning." With the way these things go, we can expect to see LeMahieu out of action for 1-2 weeks (we'll be waiting on more information, though, of course).

Long story short, LeMahieu likely won't receive the buildup he needs to be ready for the start of the 2025 season, and it's more evidence that the Yankees have insisted on prolonging this dead relationship.

Yankees News: DJ LeMahieu suffers calf injury in spring training debut

It's unclear how much at fault the Yankees' front office is for LeMahieu remaining in the Bronx. A report from earlier in the offseason suggested the team's star players prevented the organization from designating the former MVP candidate for assignment late last year.

It's understandable how emotions can take over here. LeMahieu instantly became a fan favorite upon his arrival in 2019, and he won the batting title in 2020 before his downfall began in 2021. But perhaps whoever is responsible for ensuring LeMahieu's continued tenure in the Bronx is living in the past.

LeMahieu hasn't appeared in a postseason game since 2020. He hasn't batted over .270 since then, either. After hitting 36 home runs in his first 195 games with the Yankees, he's hit 39 over his last 478 games. His abilities in the clutch have almost compltely disappeared. His defense has been valuable, but again, that's only when he's been healthy and available.

Last season felt like the official end for LeMahieu. He was limited due to another foot injury and looked the most incapable he ever has in his MLB career. He appeared in just 67 games and hit .204 with a 51 OPS+. He also logged a -0.6 dWAR. At that point, whether players interrupted the decision or not, LeMahieu shouldn't have been anywhere near the 2025 roster, especially with Juan Soto departing and depth becoming even more of a necessity.

None of this is LeMahieu's fault, which is an important point to note. He's gotten terribly unlucky and has been unable to get back on track due to various obstacles out of his control. But the sympathy phase very much feels over. He's heading into his age-36 season and is making $15 million. He's no longer a viable baseball player, and even if some fans view him to be, the Yankees do not possess enough talent around him to mask his declining abilities.

Some would argue the decision to part with him should've been made after the disastrous 2023 season. The Yankees were graceful enough to give him another chance, and they were rewarded with his worst season yet. In 2025, their gesture of good will got them another injury and further question marks at one of the most important starting roles on the diamond.

The warning signs have been there. But much like many of the other Yankees acquisitions and relationships that didn't work out, fans will have to watch this one die on the vine years after the expiration date.