The Yankees’ veteran infielder was on the bench for a fourth straight game Monday before pinch hitting for Ben Rice in the eighth inning against lefty reliever Gregory Soto in a 14-4 win over the Phillies .
LeMahieu, who got into all three games in Boston as a defensive replacement for Rice, is expected to slot back into the lineup on Wednesday when the Yankees face left-hander Cris Sanchez.
But beyond that, his opportunities appear to be dwindling.
“I think it’s been challenging certainly for him,” manager Aaron Boone said before Monday’s game. “Obviously anything can happen over the next 24 hours, but we got a lefty on Wednesday. I plan on him being in there. Then there’ll be matchups that he’ll have opportunities to get back in there.
“His glove off the bench is really important, his versatility. And then the fact that this guy’s a great hitter. He’s working through some things. You don’t want to close the door on him being able to unlock those things.”
The 36-year-old LeMahieu, who still has two years and $30 million left on his contract after this season, entered Monday batting .176 with a .490 OPS in 45 games.
After popping into Boone’s office on Saturday at Fenway Park to make sure his manager knew he was still feeling strong, Luis Gil continued to look strong.
The rookie right-hander struck out eight while giving up three runs in 5 ¹/₃ innings against a powerful Phillies lineup, with Boone saying he pitched “outstanding” and better than his line.
Luis Gil pitches during the Yankees’ win over the Phillies on July 29, 2024. Getty Images
As for Gil’s meeting on Saturday with Boone?
“I just told him that I feel ready for a long season — for a full, complete season,” Gil said through an interpreter.
The Yankees designated Jahmai Jones for assignment on Monday to make room for Giancarlo Stanton’s return from the injured list.
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