The idea that the New York Yankees' front office believed DJ LeMahieu bounce back from his putrid 2024 campaign to be a quality starter this year always seemed more like a hope than a plan. The latest injury to befall the former batting champion might finally force GM Brian Cashman to face reality.

After an impressive pivot away from Juan Soto, which included the high-impact additions of Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, Devin Williams and Max Fried, the Yankees entered spring training with a new-look roster.