Yankees Veteran Details the Unexpected Reason Behind Rehab Delay

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 9:57 AM ET

The waiting might finally be over for DJ LeMahieu, but first, another setback. This one isn’t physical; the weather is diverting LeMahieu's plans.

The Yankees veteran infielder was supposed to play in a minor league rehab game this weekend, but bad weather in the Northeast forced him to be rerouted.

LeMahieu told the New York Post that he expects to begin his rehab assignment this weekend, likely in Tampa, as he continues recovering from a calf strain that has sidelined him since his first Grapefruit League game in early March. Initially, there was hope he’d start that process on Friday, but poor weather in the Northeast and the team’s cautious approach caused a delay.

Instead of sending LeMahieu to a minor league affiliate with limited at-bats and chilly conditions, the Yankees are prioritizing volume and control. LeMahieu said Friday it was more beneficial to get in work at the team’s Florida complex, where he could face multiple pitchers and simulate game settings in a more structured environment.

“I’m itching to get going,” LeMahieu said before Friday’s 9-1, rain-shortened loss to the Giants. “But it makes more sense to build up right down there.”

Once he begins playing again, the 36-year-old is expected to require a multi-game rehab, and no firm date has been set for his return to the big league roster. But after weeks of slow progress and uncertainty, the finish line appears to be in sight.

And for a Yankees team already managing injuries to Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton, getting LeMahieu back would be a big boost.

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

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