As if things could not get any worse for DJ LeMahieu, the struggling Yankees infielder was scratched from Friday’s lineup against the Rockies after taking a thrown ball off the face while catching another ball during batting practice.
The team called it a “facial contusion,” and said that the move was precautionary.
LeMahieu was down in pain and checked on by trainers, but was able to get up and walk to the dugout on his own where he was further evaluated, per multiple reports.
The 36-year-old was originally penciled in Friday’s lineup as the No. 9 hitter and playing first base. Ben Rice will replace LeMahieu.
It has been a tough season for LeMahieu, who entered Friday’s game with a slash line of .189/.263/.249 and a .512 OPS in 62 games this season. He has just five hits in his last 30 at-bats.
Berti rehab delayed
Yankees utility infielder Jon Berti was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset on Friday, but that is being pushed back to Saturday after experiencing a “flight issue,” per Yankees PR.
Berti has been out since late May with a calf injury. He’s played in just 17 games this season.
