BALTIMORE — Wednesday marked one week since DJ LeMahieu was arrested for at least a week to receive treatment for his non-displaced foot fracture.
Although the veteran Yankees infielder has yet to return to baseball activities, it could happen soon.
“Not yet, but I know today he came in ‘feeling good,'” manager Aaron Boone said before the Yankees’ 2-0 win over the Orioles Wednesday night at Camden Yards. “Are we a week away?” So I’m sure I’ll talk about the report here today or (Thursday) that’s probably starting to happen.
LeMahieu, 35, began a rehabilitation assignment on April 23, but it lasted only one inning as he was removed due to right foot soreness.
An MRI scan two days later showed recurring swelling.
Once LeMahieu resumes baseball activities, Boone said he won’t be starting from scratch.
“Hopefully it will take a few days and then we’ll start talking about a rehab mission,” Boone said.
Boone also said he didn’t think LeMahieu would need to undergo more imaging before starting to restart.
“Even where that was the case in the past, it’s a matter of tolerance at this point,” Boone said. “The swelling, he obviously did something that created a little bit of swelling in there. I don’t think we need to see better footage at this point.
Gleyber Torres had started to find some traction offensively over the past week – hitting 10 for 32 (.313) over his last seven games – but he still entered Wednesday with zero homers in his first 31 matches.
“I’m sure it’s creeping in a little bit,” Boone said. “Anytime, whether you’re a rookie or an All-Star caliber veteran player, you always hear me talking about the beginning of the season, wanting guys to get that first hit in week one.
“When you’re trying to get through the first few, even though I don’t think it’s something that consumes him, it gets on your mind a little bit as well. You definitely can’t run after that. His power will make this happen. Usually the terrain must cooperate. It’s about going out there and putting yourself in a good position to handle the throws. When you make a mistake, it happens naturally.
Jon Berti (left groin strain) did not participate in a third rehab match as originally scheduled on Wednesday because his back locked up on him earlier in the day.
“I don’t think it’s anything major, but I think he’s going to play (Thursday) instead,” Boone said. “They just said, ‘Let’s get it done today.’ »
If Berti plays Thursday, Boone said it “could be” his last rehab game, “but we’ll kind of take it day by day.”
Reliever Nick Burdi (right hip inflammation) threw a bullpen session Tuesday at Double-A Somerset that went well and is “chomping at the bit” to return, Boone said. The Yankees will likely have Burdi pitch in a rehab game to ensure he is in the clear and recovers properly from the outing.
“I hope it’s soon,” Boone said.
Alex Verdugo (paternity listing) was scheduled to fly to Baltimore late Wednesday night and could return to the lineup for Thursday’s series finale, depending on his travel.
New York Post
