Yankees' DJ LeMahieu avoids surgery, says foot now '100%'

Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu reported to spring training in full health after avoiding right foot surgery in the offseason.

LeMahieu opted for a non-surgical recovery plan from a foot fracture that he was unable to treat with a stint on the injured list and multiple cortisone shots in the second half of the 2022 season.

Eventually, the injury became so problematic that LeMahieu was forced to miss the postseason for a second year in a row, having ended the 2021 season on the injured list with a hip issue and later undergoing surgery for a core muscle injury.

"[Foot surgery] was definitely under consideration," LeMahieu said at the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa on Sunday. «But we weren't sure if we wanted to do surgery on the big toe, the second toe or both. It was just never clear like, 'This was gonna be it, and this is the rehab, and this is how it's gonna feel,' so I think I made the right decision.»

LeMahieu said that he feels «100%» and has been able to train with no limitations on his toe. Manager Aaron Boone praised his physical conditioning.

«I'm really excited about where DJ's at,» Boone said during his spring training kickoff news conference. "[It is] something we're always paying close attention to, but he's been in a pretty good spot now for a while. He's been down here for a while. He looks really good; he's moving really well. It's obviously something we have to always pay attention to with him and be mindful of, but pretty encouraged about where he's at right now."

The generally reserved LeMahieu was also open about the adjustments that he will need to make at this point in his career, particularly in taking care of his body.

«When you're banged up, don't feel like yourself, it's frustrating,