Yankees Activate DJ LeMahieu from IL for 2024 Debut**
The Yankees have officially activated DJ LeMahieu from the 60-day IL, and he is set to start at third base tonight against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim. Reliever Ian Hamilton also rejoins the team after recovering from a stint on the COVID-IL.
LeMahieu, who missed the first few months of 2024 due to a lingering foot injury sustained in spring training, completed a successful rehab stint, playing six minor-league games from May 17th to the 26th. He will bat ninth in tonight’s game, a position he hasn’t occupied since March 2019.
Anthony Volpe, currently on a 19-game hitting streak, has taken over LeMahieu’s old leadoff spot. LeMahieu, a former MVP candidate, has struggled in recent seasons but still boasts a 101 OPS+ over 411 games from 2021-23. The Yankees hope he can provide solid defense and steady hitting.
Kevin Smith has been optioned to make room for LeMahieu, while Ian Hamilton replaces Nick Burdi in the bullpen. Hamilton had a strong start in April but faced challenges in May before landing on the COVID-IL on May 20th. He returns as the Yankees seek reliable relief options amidst injuries and inconsistencies in their bullpen.
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