The New York Yankees are facing a mounting injury crisis with several key players sidelined. DJ LeMahieu is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks due to a left calf strain sustained during his spring debut. He struggled last season, finishing with a .204 batting average and a negative WAR, which raises questions about his impact on the team while he recovers.

Other injured Yankees include pitcher JT Brubaker, out with broken ribs; Scott Effross, who has a hamstring strain; and Luis Gil, who will be shut down for at least six weeks. Giancarlo Stanton's indefinite absence due to elbow injections adds more concern. With LeMahieu likely out, Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza are set to share third-base duties as the Yankees navigate their roster challenges ahead of Opening Day.

Dominic Smith is seizing his chance with the New York Yankees this spring, showcasing his skills as injuries hit key players. With Giancarlo Stanton sidelined and DJ LeMahieu struggling with calf issues, Smith's performance, including two home runs and seven RBIs in five games, positions him as a potential asset for the Yankees' Opening Day roster. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledges that while Smith may need an opening, his history as a strong hitter adds value to the team.

Despite exhibition stats being somewhat misleading, Boone praises Smith's physical condition and overall hitting capability. His versatility, having played both left field and first base, could provide the Yankees with needed depth. Smith's previous success, with a solid OPS during his best years with the Mets, adds to his appeal, but the challenge remains to overcome past inconsistencies and secure a more permanent role on the Yankees.

Giancarlo Stanton's recent elbow injuries have left the New York Yankees in a precarious position as the season approaches. Stanton, who was a key contributor in the postseason with seven home runs last year, will start this season on the injured list. His absence raises significant concerns for the defending American League champions, especially with the recent departures and roster changes. Aaron Boone, the Yankees' manager, noted Stanton's leave from training was personal and not related to his elbow issues, further complicating his return timeline.

With Stanton sidelined, questions loom about the Yankees' lineup structure. DJ LeMahieu's calf injury exacerbates the situation as the team explores third base options, likely shifting to a platoon between Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza. Meanwhile, the search for a lead-off hitter is on, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe as potential candidates. The Yankees are adjusting their strategies on the fly but will have to navigate these challenges without their star slugger.

DJ LeMahieu confirmed that his left calf injury is not serious, although it will delay his return to baseball activities. The 36-year-old Yankees infielder expressed his confidence in returning to form after a disappointing 2024 season, where he struggled with injuries and posted a career-low .204 batting average across 67 games. LeMahieu made his spring training debut on Saturday against the Houston Astros, going 0-for-2 with a strikeout. Despite the setbacks, he remains positive about contributing to the team once fully healthy.

Entering his seventh season with the Yankees, LeMahieu's absence is notable as he aims to bounce back from last year's struggles. He has not set a timetable for his return but is eager to prove his worth to the team. "I definitely feel very confident in myself," he stated, acknowledging the discouragement of repeated injuries yet expressing a strong desire to stay healthy and help the Yankees succeed in the upcoming season.