NEW YORK — Both Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone called the move to designate DJ LeMahieu for assignment on Wednesday a “tough” decision. LeMahieu had been in pinstripes since 2019, a well-respected and hard-working figure in the Yankees’ clubhouse.

The move came a day after manager Aaron Boone announced LeMahieu would move from New York's starting second baseman to a bench role. Boone said LeMahieu did not take the demotion well but emphasized that LeMahieu didn't ask for his release.

One day after Aaron Boone declared DJ LeMahieu “a bat off the bench” and physically challenged by the third base position, the Yankees designated the two-time batting champ for assignment. The team announced the decision on Wednesday. The Yankees still owe LeMahieu, 36, about $22 million.