Yankee fans may not be used to seeing the Bombers lineup collectively struggle as they have to start the season, with the lineup getting off to one of its worst offensive starts in nearly 30 years, but they certainly aren’t accustomed to seeing inconsistency from DJ LeMahieu.
Since signing with the Yanks prior to the 2019 season, LeMahieu has been consistent to machinery levels, hence his nickname, putting up MVP numbers in his first season before coming out firing in 2020, even after a delay to the season that was even further put off for LeMahieu after he tested positive for COVID-19. It seemed like nothing could slow LeMahieu, leading to a six-year deal to remain in New York, and so far in year one of that contract, the epitome of stability has seen his share of highs and lows.
LeMahieu uncharacteristically went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts against the Blue Jays on Monday, bumping his strikeout rate to 15.7 percent, which would be his highest since 2015 and nearly double what it was last season. The sample size is small and LeMahieu looked much closer to his 2020 self on Tuesday, when he picked up his fourth multi-hit game of the season in a 7-3 loss. Still, LeMahieu is searching for that type of production on a nightly basis, which he has come to expect of himself.
“I felt better today,” LeMahieu said after Tuesday night’s loss. “It’s kind of been, for me personally, like that all year. I feel good one day and not seeing the ball great the next. Hopefully I can just get into that zone and hold onto that for awhile.”
As a whole, LeMahieu’s numbers give no reason for concern. He’s slashing .295/.392/.455, and his 144 OPS+ is along the lines of his typical Yankee numbers. But he would like to cut back on the strikeouts and get back to his identity as a run-producing machine. But so far this season, he’s batting just .200 with runners in scoring position, less than half of his career average as a Yankee.
“Nothing really in particular,” LeMahieu said of his current approach at the plate. “Maybe just a little jumpy, trying to make things happen other than just being my normal relaxed, calm self and letting it happen, just trusting myself.”
Like the rest of the Yankees, LeMahieu hasn’t been immune to the double play, which has suffocated a number of potential rallies so far this season. The ground balls in big spots could be a result of being too eager at the plate, when LeMahieu and the rest of the Yankee lineup are much more used to patiently wearing pitchers down before getting something they like to break open a big inning. That hasn’t happened yet this season.
“Double plays, it’s one of those things where you just want to keep being aggressive,” LeMahieu said. “You don’t want to sit up there at the plate and think ‘I don’t want to ground into a double play’ because you’re probably going to end up doing it. We just need to stay aggressive and probably swing at better pitches, have a little better plate discipline. I’m sure that’s a probably a big reason.”
LeMahieu’s .847 OPS is the second-highest mark on the team among players with at least 25 plate appearances, trailing only Gary Sanchez, but that mark is easily his worst as a Yankee. Still, it’s a small sample size, and if there is any Yankee proven to be immune to prolonged slumps, it’s The Machine himself. The Yanks can only hope the rest of the team can follow.
“Just like me at the plate, I know our team is going to start clicking real soon,” LeMahieu said. “Hopefully sooner than later, because I know we’re real close. We’re fine. I’m not worried about it at all.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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