DJ LeMahieu has made significant strides in his recovery, completing his fourth rehab game while showcasing impressive performance at the plate, going 6-for-10 this past week. The Yankees have been eagerly anticipating his return as they deal with a third base dilemma. Manager Aaron Boone has indicated plans for LeMahieu to start taking reps at third base next week, hinting at a swift reintegration into the lineup.

Having garnered accolades as a two-time batting title holder, LeMahieu’s presence could provide the boost the Yankees need as he nears his 37th birthday. Despite recent injury setbacks leading to a dip in performance, the organization remains hopeful that a healthy LeMahieu can reclaim his form and contribute effectively to the team’s infield depth.

Luis Gil has taken a significant step in his recovery from a high-grade lat strain by resuming his throwing program ahead of schedule. The Yankees' right-hander began his program at Yankee Stadium, marking the first time he has thrown in nearly eight weeks since being sidelined. Manager Aaron Boone described this as an encouraging development, expressing optimism for Gil's recovery process. However, Gil is not expected to rejoin the Yankees’ rotation until at least June.

Meanwhile, DJ LeMahieu is progressing in his own recovery from a calf strain and has played back-to-back games in a rehab assignment, demonstrating strong performance with five hits in eight at-bats. Additionally, Jonathan Loáisiga successfully completed a rehab outing after elbow surgery, throwing a perfect inning. The Yankees also called up Yerry De Los Santos as their 27th man for a doubleheader, showcasing the depth of their roster as they navigate through injuries.

Clark Schmidt is set to make his season debut for the New York Yankees on April 15 or 16 against the Kansas City Royals after recovering from right rotator cuff tendinitis. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Schmidt will start for Double-A Somerset this Saturday, marking his first game action since March 11. The Yankees are dealing with significant pitching absences, notably ace Gerrit Cole, who is out for the season due to Tommy John surgery, and Luis Gil, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, sidelined until summer with a lat strain. Right-hander Ian Hamilton is also on the mend from a viral illness but is expected to be activated for the series opener against the Detroit Tigers on Monday.

In addition to the pitching woes, infielder DJ LeMahieu is also recovering from a calf injury sustained early in spring training. Boone indicated that LeMahieu will need a considerable build-up before returning to game action. This situation puts additional pressure on the Yankees' lineup as they navigate through multiple injuries, making Schmidt's return all the more critical for their rotation's depth.

The New York Yankees are shaking up their batting order, introducing Ben Rice as their third leadoff hitter in the early 2025 MLB season. Rice has been impressive, boasting a .385 batting average with two home runs, prompting manager Aaron Boone to praise his hitting capability. Although primarily a catcher, Rice's versatility allows him to play first base. Boone expressed confidence in his defensive skills while managing his game time, suggesting a perfect scenario would see Rice catching regularly.

In roster updates, the Yankees will welcome back closer Devin Williams from the paternity list, while DJ LeMahieu is nearing a return from injury. Clarke Schmidt is set for a rehab start, aiming to rejoin the team soon, and Ian Hamilton is expected to be activated shortly. The Yankees are navigating early-season challenges as they prioritize maintaining their competitive edge.

The New York Yankees kicked off the 2025 season with a bang, sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers and setting an MLB record by hitting 15 home runs in the series. On Saturday, they turned Yankee Stadium into a home run haven, launching nine homers in one game, with reigning MVP Aaron Judge contributing three. Despite the offensive fireworks, the Yankees' defense faltered, committing five errors in the second game, echoing concerns from last season's World Series loss. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized that while offensive performances like this are thrilling, a season is a marathon, not a sprint, and injuries to key players could challenge their depth as the season progresses.