DJ LeMahieu Breaks a Career-Long Streak with One Timely Outburst

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 11:58 PM ET

DJ LeMahieu’s streak of 1,651 career games without an ejection came to an end Friday in the 10th inning at Fenway Park, of all places. The moment felt out of sync with his steady, veteran presence—but maybe it also spoke to something deeper this season.

Entering 2025, LeMahieu has faced a rough ride. After returning from a left calf injury in mid-May, he’s playing in just his second full season with the Yankees and is batting .279 with a .372 on-base percentage and .769 OPS over 68 plate appearances. Not bad for a 36-year-old returning from injury—but not enough to quiet growing whispers about whether he's still a key cog in a championship chase.

Now add the ejection. After grounding out in extras, he told ump Jeremie Rehak, “That was a brutal call.” When Rehak asked for clarification, LeMahieu repeated it—and was tossed. His first-ever ejection, and he admitted later, “Of all the things I have said to umpires over the years, I was surprised.”

Combine that with a recent calf strain and a battle to regain form, and suddenly that “brutal” comment feels almost symbolic. LeMahieu isn’t just pushing back on the umpire. He's pushing back against doubt, injury setbacks, and the internal clock ticking down on a two-time batting champion.

He's also hearing the clock of the trade deadline ticking on his career as well.

He may not hit .364 anymore like in 2020, but he’s still a leader who can spark things, and his quality of contact remains strong. This stretch, though, is proving pivotal. Can he shake off pains, drive, and maybe even a little extra edge to remind the Yankees why they leaned on him for four Gold Gloves and two batting titles?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: