Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu nearing next step in rehab from calf injury

DJ LeMahieu has been doing baseball activities as he prepares to return from the left calf strain that shut him down in his first Grapefruit League game of the spring. 

Manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that LeMahieu was “probably a week away from heading out and getting live at-bats and starting the clock.” 

Since LeMahieu lasted less than a game in the spring, he’ll need some time to build up and until that happens, questions will persist about what he has left in the tank. 

The 36-year-old has been bothered by leg and foot issues for the past several seasons that have robbed LeMahieu of not just games, but productivity when he’s been able to play. 

“He’s getting close to that point,” Boone said. “It will probably be a pretty big buildup.” 

DJ LeMahieu is nearing the next step in his rehab. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

With LeMahieu out, the Yankees have played the switch-hitting Oswaldo Cabrera at third base consistently, but the position remains one that could be upgraded if LeMahieu doesn’t prove to be the answer and Cabrera fails to hit consistently. 

LeMahieu has also taken grounders at second, but Jazz Chisholm Jr. has settled back in there nicely and LeMahieu’s range has been limited even before the most recent injury. 

Clarke Schmidt is scheduled to make a rehab start with Double-A Somerset on Saturday — weather permitting — and then another minor league outing before a potential return to the rotation from rotator cuff tendinitis by the middle of April, perhaps against the Royals on April 15 or 16. 

“I would say that’s the weekend we have circled,’’ Schmidt said. “It’s exciting. My spring was delayed, which was tough, but it’s good to be back here around the guys.” 

The right-hander still needs to be built up completely before he returns the rotation, but said he feels good. 

J.C. Escarra got his first start on Thursday, filling in for Austin Wells, and the rookie backstop also picked up his first major league hit with a double in the seventh. 

J.C. Escarra swings during the Yankees’ 9-7 win over the Diamondbacks on April 3, 2025. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

“He’s been through so much in his career, he strikes me as someone who loves playing this game,’’ Boone said before the game of the 29-year-old former Uber driver. “I think he’s going to play a big role for us.” 

Paul Goldschmidt got his first day out of the lineup Thursday against right-hander Merrill Kelly. Ben Rice filled in for Goldschmidt both at first base and in the leadoff spot. 

Asked why Rice got the call to hit leadoff, Boone said, “He rakes.” 

Rice reached base three times. … Jasson Domínguez had two hits.