A more concrete decision on DJ LeMahieu's status could be made by Thursday at the latest.
The Yankees infielder missed three straight games on Tuesday due to inflammation in his right big toe. Manager Aaron Boone said in the finale of a three-game series with the Rays that he "expects" Lemahue to play Wednesday. I have,” he said. Boone later said a decision on whether to put Lemahue in his IL for 10 days could come the next day or he could come within two days. With LeMahieu absent, the Yankees are playing short-handed on his three-man bench.
"The decision will be made on either [Wednesday or Thursday]. Boone said Tuesday before the Yankees hosted the Rays.
The Yankees could backtrack Lemmahu's IL stint to Sunday, but will still knock him out in the Subway Series next Monday and Tuesday.
} LeMahieu has been receiving treatment for his toes, is on medication and has a brace for his right cleat.The toe problem affects Lemahieu's swing when he rotates on his back foot, and he is on the bench on Sunday. He had been caught in an 18-to-1 skid before hitting
when asked if he was confident he could make a comeback in a few days or if he needed a stint for IL. LeMahieu was unsure.
"It's just routine now," he said.
The Yankees miss Lemahue at the top of the lineup. In his absence, they were shut out in consecutive games. Without him in the lineup, the Yankees used Miguel Andujar as his DH Tuesday against Rays lefty Jeffrey Springs.
Giancarlo Stanton (Achilles tendinitis) had another full pre-match workout on Tuesday, repeating what he did on Monday.
Boone said he hopes Stanton, who last played on July 23, will be on rehab duty "within the next few days."
Relief Miguel Castro (right shoulder strain) played catch in the outfield for the second consecutive day after being suspended from pitching for up to four weeks. His right-hand man has been on the shelf since July 16th and in the last 60 days he transferred to IL.
