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.

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.