New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu was struck in the face by a ball while taking grounders at first base during batting practice on Friday. As a result, he was removed from the starting lineup before the Yankees’ game against the Colorado Rockies.
LeMahieu was checked by a trainer before going into the clubhouse. The Yankees said LeMahieu, who was set to play first base and bat ninth, was taken out as a precaution.
Rookie Ben Rice took over for LeMahieu at first base and in the No. 9 spot in the batting order.
LeMahieu, now in the fourth year of a six-year, $90 million contract, is hitting just .189 with two home runs and 24 RBIs in 62 games this season.
The 36-year-old, who played for the Rockies from 2012 to 2018, missed the first two months of the season due to a fractured right foot. LeMahieu won a batting title with the Yankees in 2020 and another with the Rockies in 2016.
