"Don’t know if they’ll use me or not, but I’m definitely gonna try" - DJ LeMahieu working his utmost to be an 'option' in Yankees postseason roster

New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu is unsure whether he will play any part for the team in the upcoming postseason, yet he is willing to give his utmost effort to earn a spot on the roster. LeMahieu is currently on the sidelines with a hip injury but feels encouraged by his recovery process. The 36-year-old hopes to start with on-field drills within the next few days to get himself physically ready for the ALDS.

The Yankees bagged the American League East title on Friday night, but LeMahieu did not have a major role in their success. He started the season on the IL due to a right foot fracture before making his first appearance of the year in late May. He has struggled at the plate since then, having batted .204/.269/.259 for the season with only two home runs and an OPS+ of 51 over 67 games.

On Friday, DJ LeMahieu spoke with reporter Max Goodman, who covers the Yankees for NJ.com.

"I don’t know if they’ll use me or not, but I’m definitely going to try to be available," LeMahieu said.

"Our team’s playing great right now," the Yankees third baseman added. "I just want to do everything I can to make sure I am an option."

DJ LeMahieu has an uphill battle to get playing time in the Yankees infield right now. Anthony Rizzo is locked in at first base with Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third, while Oswaldo Cabrera has served as their deputy in the two corner infield spots. On the other hand, Jon Berti has also filled in quite capably whenever he has been deployed at third base this year.

"I feel like he’s turning the corner": Aaron Boone on DJ LeMahieu

DJ LeMahieu has a .306 average with 3 homers an 11 RBIs in 16 postseason games for the Yankees (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Although DJ LeMahieu has been abysmal offensively for the New York Yankees this year, he still has a chance of earning a spot on their postseason roster due to his impressive playoff record. The veteran third baseman has a .306/.357/.457 slash line in 16 postseason games for the Yankees, which includes three home runs and 11 RBIs.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone discussed the possibility of DJ LeMahieu playing for the team in October while speaking to Max Goodman.

"I think the encouraging thing is how he’s feeling, how he’s doing, and his willingness to grind and do everything he can to be an option," Boone said. "So I’m really excited about that, and the fact that I feel like he’s turning the corner a little bit and feel like hopefully we’ve helped the situation a little bit.

"So we’ll see as we move forward," he added. "But I’m glad that he’s grinding it out, to put himself in a position to at least be an option."

By winning their division, the Yankees have earned a bye to the ALDS, which will get underway next Saturday, although their opponents are yet to be confirmed.