Yankees' DJ LeMahieu could begin rehab assignment as early as Friday

Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu is primed to take a major step towards getting back on the field.

Manager Aaron Boone told reporters on Monday in Detroit that the veteran infielder will work out with the Yankees during their series against the Tigers, and he could begin a rehab assignment as soon as Friday.

LeMahieu, 36, played in just one spring training game before suffering a left calf strain, which landed him on the IL to start the season.

Had LeMahieu been healthy, he likely would have been the Yankees’ Opening Day third baseman. Oswaldo Cabrera has gotten the majority of playing time at the hot corner in LeMahieu’s absence.

LeMahieu had an unbelievable 2019 season with the Yankees, finishing fourth in AL MVP voting, but injuries and inconsistent play have plagued him over the past few years. In 2024, LeMahieu played in just 67 games following a foot fracture suffered during the spring, and then a hip injury later in the year, posting a career-worst .527 OPS.