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Marly RiveraESPN Writer
NEW YORK – Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu resumed his preseason training this week for the first time since what he called the “terrifying” experience of testing positive for COVID-19.
“It was amazing. It was shocking. It is definitely a scary thing when you have something there is no cure for,” said LeMahieu, who was screened in Michigan. “I didn’t really have any symptoms; very surprised that I tested positive. I was lucky that I wasn’t in contact with almost anyone when I got the news. I really didn’t do much, I just went out there and tried to get those negative tests and come back here. soon as possible “.
LeMahieu returned to New York two weeks after manager Aaron Boone announced that he was asymptomatic and was isolating himself at his Michigan home after testing positive for the coronavirus before the admission process began.
“I had been in contact with someone who was positive, and I wanted to see my father, but I did not want to see him until they tested me; they tested positive and I received a call four or five days later and, obviously, really shocked,” explained LeMahieu .
In order to join the team, LeMahieu had to be approved by a joint committee selected by MLB and MLBPA, as outlined in the operations manual for the shortened championship season. The joint committee, which includes physicians and non-medical personnel, authorizes any individual who tested positive or was exposed to another individual who tested positive to return to work.
Normally, an individual should test negative in two consecutive PCR tests, taken at least 24 hours apart. However, in LeMahieu’s case, she continued to test positive for an extended period.
An email sent by the union to all players detailing some of the health and safety protocols, of which ESPN obtained a copy, explained that some people will continue to test positive for prolonged periods of time even though they are no longer infected. with the virus. According to medical experts, this can happen because the person has non-infectious virus particles that take a long time to be removed. Anyone authorized to return to summer camp should present absolutely no risk of contagion to others.
“I was doing a test almost every other day,” said LeMahieu. “I think I ended up having around 11 or 12. And it was weird, because I did negative and then positive tests, and then negative and negative and negative tests. It was frustrating because I felt 100% normal and even every morning I woke up at 7 in point to see the result and it was positive. So yes, [I was tested] almost every other day there for two or three weeks. “
As the Yankees bused to Citi Field on Saturday afternoon to play the Mets in the first of three exhibition games scheduled over the next three days, LeMahieu stayed at Yankee Stadium to practice with select team members and the coaching staff. Boone said he had not received a report on LeMahieu’s condition when he addressed the media prior to Saturday’s game, but had said the Yankees had planned the next four to five days to help LeMahieu get turns at bat.
Boone said LeMahieu would focus on hitting practice, defensive work and weight room training in the coming days, but that there is no specific timeline for his return to the game. The Yankees are less than a week away from their scheduled season opener in Washington DC
“Everyone is excited to see ‘The Machine’ in the building,” Boone said as he welcomed LeMahieu and imagined his training schedule. “Strength and conditioning personnel will make their assessments in consultation with the player; establish an action plan in the coming days.”
Hitting coach Marcus Thames fondly called LeMahieu a “baseball rat,” and said second baseman would have no problem informing the team when he returns to speed.
“We will take our time with him, to make sure he is healthy; we don’t want to rush him. DJ worked very hard; even when the shutdown was in Tampa, he was there working,” Thames said. “But I’m going to take it easy. He’ll let us know when he’s ready. We’re not going to push him. We’ll make sure he’s good enough at bat, some live BPs and I hope he’s ready.”
If LeMahieu is not active on opening day, the Yankees have several options to start at second base, including versatile players like Tyler Wade and Thairo Estrada.
Still, LeMahieu said his season debut may come in the first week of games. The Yankees are slated to start the season with three games against the Washington Nationals, followed by three games against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park before their first home game, also against Philadelphia, on July 29.
“I think it’s a possibility; I don’t know if it’s realistic or not,” LeMahieu said of playing opening day, July 23, at Nationals Park. “I think that will depend on the coaches and Booney. But I think I will be quite close. If it is not the opening day, it will definitely be the first games, but we will see. I will see how these days go and for me, it will only be live at bat, the more I prepare, the smarter I can be. “
Right-hander Luis Cessa, who also revealed having tested positive for COVID-19, told ESPN that he believes he is fully recovered after having two negative tests, but has not yet been authorized to work with the rest of the team. Boone said it had no updates on Cessa or Aroldis Chapman, which the team announced had tested positive for the new coronavirus on July 11.
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