DJ LeMahieu is off to see a doctor after leaving Thursday’s game early with continued discomfort in his hip, Aaron Boone told reporters before Friday’s series opener against the Rays.
“He’s actually seeing the doctor and will be here shortly, so will have a little bit better of an update postgame,” Boone said. “We’ll see his availability tonight.”
LeMahieu has been dealing with a hip issue for weeks, Boone previously said, and is not in Friday’s lineup, and Boone suggested that it’s something LeMahieu will likely have to play through with just three games left in the regular season.
“I think it was just one of those days where as the game was unfolding, it really started to weigh him down last night,” Boone said. “It’s just something we’re gonna have to manage through the rest of the way.”
Jameson Taillon left his last start early as he appeared to reaggravate the partially torn tendon in his ankle, but the righty was already back on the mound Friday for a bullpen session, one that went well enough for Boone to say Taillon is in “very much in play” to start Sunday’s regular season finale.
“He was sharp, he looks really good,” Boone said. “He feels really good. Most importantly, his arm and everything is good. The ankle is responding, there’s no favoring, his mechanics are really sound, so I’d have to say the bullpen he threw was really encouraging.”
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Gary Sanchez is another Yankee absent from the lineup, as Kyle Higashioka is catching for the third straight game. Boone said the decision wasn’t related to health or a change in his outlook for the starting job, and to expect Sanchez in the lineup and behind the plate on Saturday.
“Gary is good,” Boone said. “Day game tomorrow obviously, so just decided with the lefty going I like Higgy. Like Gary with Monty. One was gonna catch tonight and one’s gonna catch tomorrow, so matchup-wise, I liked this way the best.”
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