DJ LeMahieu Injury Update: Yankees infielder removed from lineup against Rockies after facial injury in pregame warmup 

The New York Yankees removed DJ LeMahieu from their lineup as a precautionary measure just before the start of their series opener against the Colorado Rockies on Friday evening. The Yankees infielder was set to play first base and bat ninth, but he was taken out minutes before the first pitch was thrown after reportedly suffering a knock to his face during the pregame warmup session.

According to reports, LeMahieu was hit on the right side of his face from a throw while taking BP. He was later spotted holding his jaw while Yankees training staff tended to the injury in the dugout before escorting him over to the clubhouse. He was subsequently removed from the lineup with rookie Ben Rice taking his place at first base.

The injury comes as the latest blow to what has been the worst season of LeMahieu's 14-year MLB career. LeMahieu has only played 62 games this year after joining the team in May, having spent a long period on the sidelines to recover from a fracture on his right foot. However, the two-time batting champion only has a .189/.263/.249 slash line with just two home runs and an OPS+ of 45 so far this season.

LeMahieu was set to return to the field on Friday after he was left out of the Yankees lineup for their previous two games. In his previous outing on Tuesday night, Lemahieu went 0-5 without getting on base, while stranding runners in scoring position on multiple occasions.

Yankees have sufficient cover to replace DJ LeMahieu at first base

DJ LeMahieu may be pushed to the bench when Anthony Rizzo returns (Image Credit: IMAGN)

Despite the scary nature of the injury, DJ LeMahieu is expected to make a quick recovery since his removal has been stated as a precautionary measure. In case his absence gets extended, the Bronx Bombers have plenty of options to replace him at first base.

LeMahieu was shifted to the position after Jazz Chisholm Jr. took up duties at third base following his arrival at the trade deadline. Chisholm returned to the team on Friday after a short stint on the IL, so utility infielder Oswaldo Cabrera could be assigned to first base temporarily.

Meanwhile, the Yankees could also recall Oswaldo Peraza, for a short period if LeMahieu does not make a swift return to the team. Peraza was optioned out to Triple-A earlier this week.

For now, rookie first baseman Ben Rice is likely to continue playing at the position until Anthony Rizzo finishes his rehab assignment in Double-A with the Somerset Patriots.