Yankees injury notes: DJ LeMahieu return date tentatively set, Gerrit Cole’s next step

Before Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners, Yankees manager Aaron Boone gave updates on several of his players, including when DJ Le Mahieu he is expected to return to the team and how Gerrit Cole feel after his first live BP since being on IL.

DJ will return to the team in Anaheim

LeMahieu had his final rehab game on Tuesday with Single-A Hudson Valley, where he went 1-for-3 with an RBI single at the Brooklyn Cyclones. Boone confirmed that LeMahieu will have another game in Brooklyn on Thursday before moving to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre over the weekend.

Boone said if the infielder gets through the weekend without any issues, the plan is for him to join the team in Anaheim when the Yanks begin their series against the Angels on Tuesday.

Bullpen Reinforcements

O Yankees activated Tommy Kahnle on Wednesday, but they are expected to get more help in the bullpen soon.

Ian Hamilton, who was placed on COVID IL earlier this week, is feeling better today, according to Boone. He came off the mound on Wednesday and is expected to be activated this weekend.

So there is Scott Effross. The reliever, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery last season and had back issues this offseason, is making progress. Over the last 3-4 weeks, Boone says Effross has been through “slow stuff” but has come out okay on the other side.

“He put together a few good weeks of bullpens and lives,” Boone said. “He’s moving in a good direction.”

JT Brubakerwho also underwent Tommy John surgery last April and the Yankees acquired from the Pirates in March, is also progressing and Boone is excited to have him join the team this season.

“As far as I know, everything is going well there with their BPs live and rising,” Boone said. “He could be in the middle of here in no time.”

Gerrit Cole’s next move

Gerrit Cole released a live BP on Tuesday and faced four batters after throwing 22 pitches. When asked how his ace feels a day later, Boone said he hasn’t spoken to Cole yet, but was told he did well.

Cole will release another live BP this weekend, but Boone wasn’t sure when that would be.

The reigning AL Cy Young winner said after his BP on Tuesday that if everything continues to go well, a June return is on the cards.