DENVER — DJ LeMahieu returned to his old stomping grounds Friday, hoping to tap back into some old magic while getting to hit in elevation.
Although the Yankees’ seasoned infielder hadn’t seen significant immediate success during his initial eight games back after a calf strain sidelined him for over six weeks, he remained optimistic about his physical condition and his presence at the plate.
“I feel at ease,” LeMahieu expressed before going 0-for-2 with a walk in the Yankees’ 3-2 defeat against the Rockies at Coors Field. “I feel like I’m making solid contact with the ball and have a good read when it’s coming. I aim to maintain this momentum.”
Data supports his confidence, as LeMahieu came into Friday with an average exit velocity of 93.8 mph and an expected batting average of .282.
He hit a pair of groundouts Friday, one coming off the bat at 94.5 mph, as he dropped to 4-for-21 on the season.
More encouraging has been the way he has looked in the field at second base — though he could be headed back to third once Jazz Chisholm Jr. returns from the IL — with manager Aaron Boone saying LeMahieu is “probably” moving better than he has the past couple of years.
“But again, I feel like when he’s been out there, he’s been moving fine in the past,” Boone said. “It’s just the challenge of keeping him out there. Feel like he’s in a good place right now physically and he’s been bouncing back pretty well. Hopefully, that continues for us with him playing a big role.”
When the former Rockie returned to Coors Field for the first time as a visitor two years ago, LeMahieu went 6-for-13 and used it as a springboard for a strong second half.
He entered Friday having hit .330 with an .835 OPS in 437 career games here.
“I mean, yeah, I miss hitting here every day,” LeMahieu said with a chuckle. “Not as easy on the body, but good place to hit, for sure.”
Chisholm Jr. (oblique strain) and Giancarlo Stanton (tennis elbows) remained in New York this weekend to continue their respective ramp-ups, with the potential for both to head to Tampa next week to take live at-bats. It remains to be seen whether either — especially Stanton — will have a rehab assignment before returning.
Marcus Stroman (knee inflammation), meanwhile, traveled with the Yankees to Coors Field and played catch Friday afternoon.
He has been throwing occasional bullpen sessions but still has yet to face hitters again since feeling discomfort during a live session May 9.
“Some sides have been good,” Boone said. “Just continuing to build up. Not sure when he has a side next. But hopefully get to a point to where we get him back to a live and see how the knee responds to that.”
