NEW YORK— A misfired throw by Jazz Chisholm Jr has reignited concerns about the second baseman’s ongoing shoulder troubles, as the New York Yankees stumbled to a 5–2 loss against the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium. What looked like a routine double-play opportunity turned into a costly defensive breakdown that spotlighted both mechanical execution and deeper injury questions.
Costly misplay turns tide against Yankees early
In the top of the third inning, with the Yankees already trailing 2–0, Dansby Swanson grounded sharply to third. Oswald Peraza fielded the ball cleanly but delivered an off-target throw to second, pulling Chisholm to his right and disrupting his rhythm.
Chisholm’s subsequent relay to first base sailed high and wide into the stands. The wild throw allowed a run to score and killed the Yankees’ opportunity to escape the inning unscathed.
Though the scoring play won’t show as an error on both ends of the exchange, the optics were damaging. The Yankees lost momentum, and the crowd quickly grew restless.
“That’s one you just want back,” manager Aaron Boone said postgame. “We have to make that play. Period.”
Injury context raises red flags
While some of the blame fell on Peraza’s positioning, the incident again spotlighted Chisholm’s throwing arm—specifically, his right shoulder, which has bothered him since spring.
Both middle infielders bear responsibility for the miscommunication. However, Chisholm’s recent shoulder discomfort may have contributed to his inaccurate throw.
Chisholm was moved back to second base earlier this month after struggling with long throws at third. The decision was strategic: keep his bat in the lineup while minimizing the stress on his shoulder. But Saturday’s errant toss called into question whether the issue is truly under control.
“I feel fine,” Chisholm told reporters after the game. “The throw just got away. I rushed it.”
Still, this isn’t the first such moment. Scouts have noticed a slight dip in Chisholm’s arm strength and accuracy over recent weeks. If the shoulder continues to flare up, the Yankees may need to reconsider his workload—or even sit him during crucial series.
A analyst questioned told, “It’s not just about the error. It’s the body language, the timing, the mechanics. Something’s off with Chisholm’s throws. He’s trying to compensate.”
Shoulder strain not over yet
Chisholm shifted back to second base early this month, after struggling with throws at third base amid persistent shoulder soreness. He has admitted the pain flares more when throwing than hitting. Still, he insists the error was not due to injury:
“I feel fine. The throw just got away,” Chisholm said postgame. “I would never use anything as an excuse.”
Despite the bravado, he’s made five errors in his last ten games—a notable uptick
What’s next for Chisholm—and the Yankees?
Jazz remains healthy enough to stay in the lineup, but if errors persist—or if throws noticeably deteriorate—the Yankees may rethink his deployment.
Defensive stability remains a significant challenge for the Yankees infield. Saturday’s error exemplified the ongoing communication problems between middle infielders.
If Chisholm’s shoulder problems persist, the Yankees may need external reinforcements. Infield help could become Cashman’s top priority before the deadline arrives.
At the trade deadline, the Yankees‘ roster direction could hinge on Chisholm’s health. Should he remain shaky, the front office might pivot aggressively.
Saturday’s loss to the Cubs revealed a more subtle, creeping threat: instability on defense and doubt around Chisholm’s health. A single throw, like his in the third inning, might not define the season—but it could be a preview of a bigger problem.
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