The New York Yankees continue their search for a viable leadoff hitter.
After the failed experiments with Gleyber Torres and Anthony Volpe to begin the season, the Yankees tried Ben Rice and Alex Verdugo in the leadoff spot during the last week.
While Verdugo struggled, Rice has since been used as protection for Aaron Judge in the cleanup spot.
To begin this upcoming series against the Baltimore Orioles — a crucial one before the All-Star Break — the Yankees have a new hitter sitting atop the lineup.
Despite his struggles, DJ LeMahieu (52 OPS+) is getting a shot at his old spot in the lineup for the first time in 2024. He was the Yankees' main leadoff hitter for four seasons going into 2023.
New York Yankees starting lineup vs Baltimore Orioles
- DJ LeMahieu, 3B
- Juan Soto, RF
- Aaron Judge, CF
- Ben Rice, 1B
- Gleyber Torres, 2B
- Alex Verdugo, LF
- Anthony Volpe, SS
- Jose Trevino, C
- Jahmai Jones, DH
LeMahieu has a long history of hitting leadoff, and his career .353 on-base percentage is strong. But he's far from the hitter that put up those numbers earlier in his career.
Even though the Yankees called up an intriguing prospect in Jorbit Vivas, it seems manager Aaron Boone doesn't trust him against a lefty on Friday night.
Instead, the Yankees believe it best to roll out a struggling veteran with a .296 on-base percentage to hit in front of Soto and Judge.
Injuries and some poor performances have taken a massive toll on the Yankees lineup, but it's difficult to get excited about the hitters outside of the 2-3-4 spots.
