"I know a lot people will talk down on this man"- Ex-Yankee Cameron Maybin lauds DJ LeMahieu after his match-winning performance vs. Blue Jays
Veteran New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu gave a glimpse of his potential after his walk-off hit to secure a 4-3 win for his team over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.
LeMahieu has been subjected to harsh criticism from fans in arguably the worst slump of his MLB career. Such has been the extent of the three-time All-Star's slump that he was benched for rookie Ben Rice in the series against the Boston Red Sox last week.
However, following his latest heroics, his former Yankees teammate and World Series winner Cameron Maybin came to the defense of the 36-year-old. Maybin praised LeMahieu, reacting to a video of Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe emptying the water cooler on the infielder during an interview on Sunday.
"I don’t care. I know a lot of people will talk down on this man… but I’m so happy for my guy David John LeMahieu. One of the most humble hardworking teammates I’ve very ever had…. And most Definitely one of the most underrated funny guys I’ve met."
DJ LeMahieu starting to hit form during worst slump of his career
DJ LeMahieu's walk-off hit came in the same week when he registered a career-best six runs against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. He has eight RBIs in his last eight at-bats and is showing signs of life as the race for the playoffs heats up.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone is excited about the veteran infielder and expects a big role from him in the crucial phase of the regular season.
“I think the at-bats are getting better. He is moving the needle. Hopefully, he will gain a little confidence. He can play such a big role for us. I’m really excited for him.”
Yankees ace and reigning AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole was also back to his best in a solid outing on Sunday. He pitched 5.2 innings while restricting the Blue Jays to two runs in an intense battle with Yariel Rodriguez. Cole also had kind words for LeMahieu after the game.
“It’s just totally deserving,” Cole said. “He really had a good day at the plate. It’s nice to see guys like that come through in the clutch and win a game, especially a guy like DJ.”
LeMahieu's walk-off hit in the 10th inning secured a third consecutive series win for the Yankees as they remain tied with the Baltimore Orioles for the top spot in the American League East.