DJ LeMahieu staring down Yankees uncertainty with reduced role

Jazz Chisholm’s shift back to second base Tuesday night means a massively reduced role for DJ LeMahieu with the Yankees.

Aaron Boone said before the series opener against the Mariners that Chisholm will play regularly at second base, his more natural position.

Chisholm, named Sunday as an AL All-Star reserve, mostly played third base following a trade from the Marlins last summer, but he started this season back at second until suffering an injury in late April.

LeMahieu eventually took over at second following his own IL stint, with Chisholm returning to third once he was activated.

The 36-year-old LeMahieu, a three-time Gold Glove winner at second, has shown decreased range defensively this season.

Boone said the veteran infielder didn’t take the demotion well and that he’s not presently a candidate for time at third because of his physical limitations.

LeMahieu has the rest of this season’s salary plus $15 million guaranteed for 2026 left on his contract.

Oswald Peraza started at third base Tuesday night, but Boone did not commit to him starting there regularly.

The Yankees also signed veteran MLB infielders Jeimer Candelaria and Nicky Lopez to minor-league deals last week.

Former Yanks infielder Andrew Velasquez also is currently at Triple-A Scranton.