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DJ LeMahieu is returning to where Yankees need him most

On Feb. 20, the Yankees had Luke Voit and Greg Bird to play first base and DJ LeMahieu was viewed as a very good player signed to a two-year deal for $24 million who would move between second and third base.

Yet, when LeMahieu arrived in Tampa for spring training, he had a first baseman’s glove and took ground balls at the position.

“I don’t think I will be the everyday first baseman by any means,’’ LeMahieu told The Post.

Move to Friday night when the Yankees host the Red Sox in the first of four games and it’s quite possible LeMahieu, whose .332 batting average topped the AL entering Thursday night’s action, will see the bulk of playing time at first base.

Bird played 10 games, went on the IL with a plantar fascia tear and hasn’t played since April 13. Voit is on the IL with a sports hernia that will be treated aggressively but if surgery is required he would likely be lost for the remainder of the season.

The Yankees have Edwin Encarnacion to play first base but LeMahieu, a three-time Gold Glove second baseman, provides better defense at first than Encarnacion. Even before Voit went down the Yankees’ best defensive infield had LeMahieu at first.

LeMahieu hasn’t played since July 26 due to a groin problem but is expected to return Friday night. If he starts at first it will be the 11th time at the position.

Brett Gardner and Gary Sanchez can come off the IL on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

While the move to activate Sanchez is easy — Kyle Higashioka goes to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre — clearing a space for Gardner is a little more involved.

Considering how well outfielder Mike Tauchman is playing (.423, four homers and 13 RBIs in the last 16 games) it would be difficult to send him out. More likely infielder Breyvic Valera will be optioned to SWB with Tyler Wade staying. Wade can play second, short, third and the outfield in an emergency.

Gardner hasn’t played since July 20 due to an inflamed left knee. Sanchez is on the IL with a strained right groin and has been out since July 24.

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The post DJ LeMahieu is returning to where Yankees need him most appeared first on Fox USA Live.



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