MLB columnist on DJ LeMahieu return from injury: "LeMahieu said that he feels '100 percent'"

DJ LeMahieu's return will be welcomed with open arms by a New York Yankees lineup that missed him in the playoffs last season. The team's slump last season was almost directly corelated to LeMahieu's toe injury. Fortunately, the injury that hampered LeMahieu's second half of the season seems to be under control.

The Yankees will be relieved that one of their key pieces is ready to go. He's a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner. He has won two batting titles and has two Silver Slugger Awards.

Per a recent ESPN article, columnist and reporter Marly Rivera reported that LeMahieu is fully fit for the upcoming season:

"LeMahieu said that he feels '100 percent'"

Rivera was reporting from the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa, Florida. LeMahieu sounded optimistic regarding his health and looks ready to go for Opening Day.

"DJ LeMahieu said there are no limitations on what he can do on the field. He’s 100 percent good to go." - Chris Kirschner

LeMahieu started the 2022 season strong but suffered an injury to his right toe midway through the season. His production suffered, and although he tried to play through the pain, it was clear he was not the same player.

The All-Star infielder recorded just one home run and four RBIs over 24 games in August. His batting average dropped to a subpar .211 during that stretch. That forced manager Aaron Boones to drop him from the playoff roster.

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DJ LeMahieu reported to spring training after avoiding surgery on injured toe

DJ LeMahieu attempts to field a single against the Texas Rangers

With position players reporting to spring training on Sunday, Yankees fans were relieved to see LeMahieu back.

He's a lifetime .297 hitter. Over his 12-year major league career with the Colorado Rockies and New York Yankees, he has recorded 107 home runs and 581 RBIs.

"DJ LeMahieu ties the game up with his first home run of the season!" - Talkin' Yanks

LeMahieu was relieved to avoid a lengthy and grueling surgery that would have kept him out for a significant portion of the season:

"(Foot surgery) was definitely under consideration. ... I think I made the right decision"

DJ LeMahieu is a vital piece of the Yankees offense. He could be used to provide cover for Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, or he could lead off. Over his four-year stretch with the Yankees, he has been one of the club's most consistent hitters. The Yankees will be enthusiastic about one of their star hitters returning to the lineup.