Acce s the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees. On a day that ended in defeat, there was not a more encouraging sight for the Yankees than the reappearance of the two-time batting champion they had not seen in a long time. In some ways literally: This was DJ LeMahieus first game in The Bronx since Aug. 25 of last year. In some ways le s literally: LeMahieu tallied his first multihit game of the season and launched his first home run in his third game of the campaign after hitting just two homers in 67 games last year. Perhaps this was simply a blip in a long, extended downturn for an oft-injured 36-year-old, but it did not take long for the veteran infielder to remind of his rsum and signal that there might be more for him to offer. DJ LeMahieu hits a solo home run during the third inning of the Yankees 3-2 Subway Series lo s to the Mets on May 17, 2025. Jason Szenes for the NY Post Explore More LeMahieu impre sed defensively, sent hard-hit balls all around the ballpark (including one that left the ballpark) and simply looked, once again, like DJ LeMahieu during a . He looks like hes got a little chip on his shoulder, said Clarke Schmidt, who was charged with two runs in six innings partly because LeMahieu helped stop a potential Mets rally after Schmidt exited in the seventh. He just looks fresh, looks like hes got his legs under him. Its refreshing to see. DJ LeMahieu cro ses the plate after hitting a home run during the Yankees lo s to the Mets on May 17. Jason Szenes for the NY Post Activated the latest malady for a player who has collected them LeMahieu has come off the injured list hitting. In the third inning, he got under a Griffin Canning 94.8 mph fastball significant for a bat that had struggled to catch up to heat in recent seasons and lifted it over the short porch in right for his first homer since July 31. The Machine broke character in pumping his fist coming around first base Jose Azocar Jersey Probably too much emotion, LeMahieu said and returned to a dugout that was filled with smiles. Felt good to play at Yankee Stadium again in front of these fans and obviously a big series, said LeMahieu, who had been activated in Seattle and has felt strong in the very beginnings of an attempted comeback that at times had not seemed po sible. After multiple foot and toe i sues haunted him for years, he looked like a shell of himself last season before being shelved with a right hip impingement. This year he did not survive one Grapefruit League game, in his spring debut. CHECK OUT THE AND But after a lengthy buildup and rehab a signment, LeMahieu has shown signs of turning back the clock. There was the home run, and the single through the middle that left his bat at 100.5 mph, plus another hard-hit ground out. There also was a 106.6 mph bullet with the bases loaded in the eighth inning that was impre sive in every aspect but aim, sent right to Juan Soto in right field. DJ LeMahieu reacts after lining out with the bases loaded in the eighth inning of the Yankees lo s to the Mets. Jason Szenes for the NY Post Really encouraging to see him just have that level of at-bats in his first few outings here, manager Aaron Boone said. He was phenomenal today. I feel like Im finding my rhythm pretty quickly, LeMahieu added. The Yankees have a real need at the moment at second base (with ) and for the season at third base (unsettled even before ), which a healthy LeMahieu could solve. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! There is far too much season left to declare he can help, but he at least showed he has the ability to help if healthy. Both at the plate and in the field. His sliding, backhanded play to retire Francisco Lindor helped the Yankees escape a jam in the seventh. Hes always been a great fielder, Boone said. The injuries have taken him off the field, [but] hes never not been outstanding in the field. Thats who he is. Hes an elite defender. Patrick Mazeika Jersey