John Jones-Imagn Images

DJ LeMahieu Talks About His Rehab and Yankees Return Timeline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 3:34 PM ET

DJ LeMahieu completed his fourth minor league rehab game on Sunday, marking a significant step in his return to the Yankees. Over the week, he went 6-for-10 at the plate, demonstrating sharp timing and solid defensive play after missing the season's start due to a calf strain.

“It felt great getting back out there,” LeMahieu said postgame. “Everything felt good this week. I’m not sure of the plan moving forward until I speak to the Yankees to figure out the next steps with them.”

Manager Aaron Boone indicated that LeMahieu will begin taking reps at third base next week, signaling the team's intent to reintegrate him into the infield mix. With third base still being an area of concern, his return could provide much-needed stability.

LeMahieu's track record includes two batting titles—one in the National League with the Rockies in 2016 and another in the American League with the Yankees in 2020—making him the first player in the modern era to achieve this feat in both leagues. However, injuries have hampered his performance in recent seasons, leading to a .232 average and .663 OPS over the past two years

Signed to a six-year, $90 million contract in 2021, LeMahieu has two years and $30 million remaining on his deal. As he approaches his 37th birthday in July, the Yankees are hopeful that a healthy LeMahieu can contribute significantly, especially given his versatility across the infield.

While no official return date has been set, it's anticipated that LeMahieu will need approximately 20 more at-bats to be game-ready. His rehab stint this week is a promising sign for both him and the Yankees as they look to bolster their infield depth.

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

More must-reads: