Yankees bench slumping former All-Star, batting champ DJ LeMahieu

The New York Yankees benched two-time batting champion DJ LeMahieu on Sunday amid a season-long slump.

LeMahieu was a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Oswaldo Cabrera took his place at third base. Manager Aaron Boone discussed the decision with reporters pregame while declining to address LeMahieu's status beyond Sunday.

"We'll see," Boone said when asked about LeMahieu's potential return to the lineup. "Get through today, and we'll see where we're at."

The Yankees lost 6-4 on Sunday, dropping two of three to the Rays.

Boone praised LeMahieu's talent and professionalism.

"He is such a pro and obviously been such a good hitter over the course of his career, over the course of his life," Boone said. "A very mentally and physically tough guy. He's equipped to handle things and deal with things.

"But you also want to be sensitive to knowing a guy that's had this kind of success is really grinding through things right now. Try to be aware of that, too."

LeMahieu, 36, is slashing .177/.270/.202 through 39 games this season, the worst performance of his 14-season MLB career by far. He has 11 RBI and has yet to hit a home run.

A three-time All-Star and career .290/.352/.411 hitter, LeMahieu won a batting title with the Colorado Rockies in 2016 and another with the Yankees in 2020. His .243 batting average last season was previously the worst of his career.

LeMahieu started the season on the injured list due to a fractured foot and has struggled at the plate since his return to the lineup May 28. He has been heckled and booed by home fans as the Yankees have been mired in a slump as a team. New York went into the All-Star break on an 8-18 slide that saw them fall from first place in the AL East to trailing the Baltimore Orioles. The 59-41 Yankees sit two games behind the Orioles after Sunday's games.

Boone said Saturday of LeMahieu: "We've got to keep running him out there."

"He's earned that, and where we are right now roster-wise, we've gotta give that opportunity to unlock it," he said.

LeMahieu then went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in a 9-1 loss to the Rays. He told reporters Sunday that he is healthy. LeMahieu is playing on the fourth year of a six-year, $90 million contract.