The Yankees' signing of DJ LeMahieu two winters ago prompted flurries of questions about where the veteran would fit on the roster, showing up that spring without a set position in the infield. Today, it’s difficult to imagine the Yankees participating in this American League Division Series without him.

LeMahieu’s two-year, $24 million pact has earned a place among Brian Cashman’s finest moves in his time as general manager. As he prepared to take the field for Thursday’s Game 4 of the ALDS, the Yanks’ “Machine” couldn’t compute the possibility that it might be his final time appearing in the Bombers’ batting order.

“No, I don’t think that way at all,” LeMahieu said. “We’ve communicated in the past that we’re going to worry about that after the season.”

LeMahieu said that there have been no discussions with the Yankees about a potential extension, following a season in which he batted .364 to win the American League batting title.

Having paced the National League in hitting during the 2016 season while with the Rockies (.348), LeMahieu is the first player in the Modern Era (since 1900) to win batting titles in both leagues.

Overall, LeMahieu batted .364/.421/.590 with 10 homers and 27 RBIs in 50 games, leading the AL in OPS (1.011), OPS+ (177) and wRC+ (177).

“If you add up the last two years in Major League Baseball, he's on the short list of short lists for being the best player in the sport -- he's been that impactful,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “In the biggest moments, he always seems to deliver. He's just been a great player for us. We’ll see what happens moving forward, but I hope he's a Yankee for a long time.”

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When asked what he has enjoyed about being with the Yankees, LeMahieu replied: “I would say the fans and the atmosphere at Yankee Stadium. We didn’t have that this year. But still, having just such a deep roster -- super talented, great leaders on this team and being able to play in the postseason and games like today.”

The Yankees must win the next two games in order to extend their season. True to his steady form, LeMahieu said that he did not sense any change in tone within their clubhouse at Petco Park.

“Same as always -- upbeat, ready to go,” LeMahieu said. “Can’t wait for the game to start, just how we’ve been the last three days and the whole postseason.”

Backstop flip-flop

Gary Sánchez was on the bench again for Game 4, the fourth time in the Yanks’ six postseason games that the catcher has not appeared in the starting lineup. Boone said that it was “another close call” in selecting Kyle Higashioka over the slumping Sánchez.

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“It comes down to more Kyle earning these opportunities,” Boone said. “I feel like he’s provided enough for us offensively and he’s doing a great job behind the plate. I honestly felt like I could’ve gone with Gary as well and would’ve felt good about that. In the end, after just contemplating it, talking with some coaches a little bit, felt like this was the way I wanted to go.”

Boone said that he did not seek out Sánchez to explain the move, reiterating that if the Yankees are to triumph this season, they will need both catchers to contribute.

“I think that all changes in a hurry, especially with a guy as talented as Gary is,” Boone said. “If we’re going to go on and win a world championship, Gary’s going to play a big role and have a big moment or big at-bat or a big performance behind the plate for us. And I view that as the case moving forward, if and when we’re able to advance.”

Five on it

Should the series advance to Game 5, Boone said that right-hander Gerrit Cole is expected to pitch on short rest for the first time in his big league career.

Asked to describe Cole’s mindset for that challenge, Boone replied: “Give me the ball.”

Bombers bits

Boone said that he planned to be “real aggressive” with his bullpen use behind left-hander Jordan Montgomery, including calling upon right-hander Deivi García for several innings if necessary. García pitched only one inning in New York’s Game 2 loss.

This date in Yankees history

Oct. 8, 1956: Don Larsen threw the only perfect game in Major League postseason history, reaching baseball immortality with a 97-pitch gem in the Yankees’ 2-0 victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 5 of the World Series. The win gave the Yanks a 3-2 series lead in the Fall Classic, which they won in seven games.