#Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu close to returning from coronavirus

“#Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu close to returning from coronavirus”

Post columnist Joel Sherman confirmed a report that the Yankees are expecting second baseman DJ LeMahieu to join the team this week after not participating in spring training 2.0 due to testing positive for coronavirus.

The Yankees, who have a workout scheduled for Thursday at Yankee Stadium, will play their final intrasquad game Friday night and face the Mets on Saturday and Sunday, and the Phillies on Monday in exhibition games.

With Opening Day scheduled for next Thursday, it remains to be seen if LeMahieu has enough time to be ready for the start of the season.

Asked if he had a date in mind for LeMahieu and Aroldis Chapman to be back on the field in order to be ready to play at the start of the season, manager Aaron Boone said he didn’t. Chapman and right-hander Luis Cessa also are away from the team due to COVID-19.

“Not there yet. I don’t know if I would set a date on it,’’ Boone said. “First things first is getting a negative back and when that happens we will make an evaluation where we think they are and what is the best course moving forward. I haven’t let myself looking at a date and ‘We need them in by here.’ I just haven’t gone there yet.’’

Masahiro Tanaka threw in the outfield and went through an elongated session of agility drills prior to Wednesday night’s intrasquad game at Yankee Stadium that left Boone encouraged.

The next step in Tanaka’s return from a concussion suffered on July 4 when a 112-mph ball off Giancarlo Stanton’s bat hit him in the head will be taken Thursday when he throws off a bullpen mound. He hasn’t been on a mound since the frightening incident.

“Pleased with where he is,’’ Boone said of the 31-year-old right-hander, who explained Tuesday he hasn’t experienced any concussion symptoms since leaving the hospital the same day he was struck. “Going back to obviously a very scary moment, I think the fact that he is not having symptoms every step of the way as we have ramped up his workload he has responded well.’’

Considering Tanaka got drilled in the head the Yankees aren’t going to rush him to get ready for the first turn through the rotation.

“We still tread cautiously anytime you are dealing with something like this, but we continue to be encouraged with how he is feeling and I feel like he is in a good place,’’ Boone said. “We are letting him drive that a little bit to make sure he is ready from his own standpoint and his own psyche to get back. Tomorrow will be another important day when he gets back on the mound.’’

Should Tanaka continue to progress, Boone said he could face live hitters prior to July 23.

“If things go well we hope that he would be able to see live hitters before Opening Day,’’ Boone said. “Obviously want to get a couple of bullpens in and then face live hitters. I really don’t want to get too far ahead of this. First things first and tomorrow is a bullpen [session] and hopefully he responds well to that and take that next step.’’

Loaisiga retired the nine batters he faced Wednesday night in three innings and struck out four of them. Afterward, the right-hander was told Boone said he could be used in multiple roles.

“It really doesn’t matter. Like I said before, it is about getting in the game and doing your job,’’ Loaisiga said. “If I am going to start the game, I am fine with that. If I go in the middle of the game no problem and end of the game I am cool with that. I just want to pitch, help and do my job.’’

Miguel Andujar has played left field during spring training 2.0 and the potential position change is fine with him.

“It’s fun playing out there,’’ Andujar said Wednesday through an interpreter. “The way I see it, it’s another opportunity for me to play the game and help the team. There’s plenty of guys around for me to pick up tips and learn from.”

He’s looked fine in left and made some solid plays, but the 25-year-old was back at third base for Wednesday’s intrasquad game and is still trying to prove he can be solid at third. A little over a year after shoulder surgery, Andujar said his arm feels “really good” and the adjustments he’s made at third are paying dividends.

“I feel good there,’’ Andujar said. “That hop, that first step, the plan was to work on my agility so my reaction time can be better. It’s one of those things I keep practicing and try to put it into action. I get encouraged when I see results in a game.”

Andujar’s most important asset, though, is his bat, which is why the Yankees are eager to find a spot for him somewhere in the lineup.

“It’s a challenge to learn a new position, especially at this level playing in the big leagues,’’ Andujar said. “I played third base my entire career. To have to learn a new position is not easy. At the same time, I understand through practice and going through repetition, I’ll get positive results.”

Gary Sanchez isn’t wearing a face mask to protect him and others from the coronavirus while catching and Kyle Higashioka is. And that is fine with catching instructor Tanner Swanson.

“I think each individual player has their own right to decide their own comfort levels,’’ Swanson said. “For Higgy, in my brief conversation with him, he felt like it was in his best interest as being really close not only to the pitcher [on mound visits] but more specifically the hitter and the umpire. Being in the thick of it, his comfort level is leading toward him wearing one.’’

So far Sanchez has opted not to don a protective mask.

“Gary hasn’t gotten to that point and he may not. I think that is within his right to do so,’’ Swanson said. “I think every player is handling it differently and I think we should all respect that. I certainly have told him he should or he shouldn’t. I have given him the freedom to make his decision on his own.’’

Sanchez said the decision to not wear a mask is heat- related.

“As of right now I don’t feel comfortable using one just because it is really, really hot out there. I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing that,’’ Sanchez said. “Maybe in the future when it gets a little cooler. But as of right now it is hard for me given how hot it gets for me on the field.’’

Higashioka said the temperature hasn’t entered the equation.

“I am in close vicinity with a couple of other people so might as well throw the face covering on just in case. Not sure it will help much, [but] anything works,’’ Higashioka said.

As for health and safety protocols, Swanson believes the Yankees staff is performing well.

“I would imagine that would include trying to help hold our staff and players accountable in the dugout primarily. The entire staff is doing a good job collectively. We want to follow protocols and remind players and the staff,’’ Swanson said.