Chisholm injury worse than thought, Yankees’ midseason plans at risk

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The oblique injury to Jazz Chisholm is more severe, putting the Yankees’ midseason plans at risk.

NEW YORK — When Jazz Chisholm Jr. walked off the field last week after fouling off a pitch against the Orioles, the New York Yankees hoped it was a minor tweak. But after an MRI revealed three separate strains in his right oblique, optimism has quickly turned into concern.

Now sidelined with one of baseball’s most notoriously stubborn injuries, Chisholm’s recovery is expected to take at least four to six weeks, and some insiders believe that’s a best-case scenario. It may be longer as his injury is more severe.

Multiple strains, complicated recovery

“Most people don’t realize how essential the obliques are until something goes wrong,” said Dr. Elise C. Bixby, a sports orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone, during a recent appearance on the “Injury Report.” “They’re not just core muscles; they’re critical for rotation, which is everything in baseball — whether you’re swinging a bat or throwing from second base.”

According to Dr. Bixby, Chisholm’s case is more severe than most. “We typically see one localized tear in the internal oblique. Jazz has three different areas affected, which puts him on the high end of the injury spectrum.”

Despite the complex nature of the strain, surgery won’t be necessary. However, Dr. Bixby warns against the temptation to rush back. “If a player tries to push through this kind of injury, the microtears can propagate. The muscle won’t heal properly, and the player’s performance will suffer.”

A painful trend in baseball

Chisholm’s oblique injury is just the latest in a growing trend across MLB. More than 60 players missed time in 2024 due to oblique-related strains, according to data from Spotrac. The list includes stars like Shohei Ohtani, Giancarlo Stanton, and Jacob deGrom.

“These injuries are especially common among players with explosive mechanics,” Bixby said. “Jazz is a prime candidate — quick-twitch movement, aggressive swings, and high rotational torque. All of that stresses the obliques.”

The Yankees’ medical team initially estimated a four-to-six week absence, which Bixby agrees is “a fair window” based on available data. “Studies on professional baseball players, including one from Japan and another from the U.S., show that the average return-to-play timeline for oblique injuries is roughly four weeks. But Jazz’s injury is more severe, so closer to six weeks makes more sense.”

Rehabilitation: Chisholm need more than just ice and rest

Jazz Chisholm’s rehab will include multiple phases, beginning with inflammation control through rest and ice. Once pain subsides, the next steps will focus on gradual core strengthening and mobility work to restore range of motion.

“He’ll be doing targeted core work, but we also need to look at his kinetic chain,” said Dr. Bixby. “Rotation doesn’t just come from the midsection. It starts at the hips, transfers through the core, and finishes at the shoulder or wrist.”

For the Yankees, this means Chisholm’s injury could spark a broader review of biomechanics and player movement patterns to prevent recurrence — a concern especially given Chisholm’s history of injury-prone seasons.

“These kinds of strains tend to come back if the root cause isn’t addressed,” Bixby added. “If he had tight hips or an asymmetry in movement, the obliques would be overcompensating.”

DJ LeMahieu prepares to step in

In Chisholm’s absence, the Yankees plan to plug in veteran DJ LeMahieu at second base — a role he hasn’t regularly filled since July 2023. LeMahieu is currently rehabbing with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after recovering from calf and hip issues.

“He’ll be ready soon,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said earlier this week. “We’re not rushing DJ back either, but he’s close.”

Boone, however, hasn’t ruled out the possibility that Chisholm could beat the recovery timeline. “Jazz heals fast. That’s been a trend in his career,” Boone said on the “Talkin’ Yanks” podcast.

Yet Dr. Bixby cautions against accelerated expectations. “It’s great to be optimistic, but biological healing can’t be rushed. Even if he feels fine in three weeks, the underlying tissue might not be fully healed. And if he returns too early, it puts him at risk for a more serious setback.”

A jolt to Yankees’ midseason plans

Before the injury, Chisholm had posted a .272 average with six homers, nine stolen bases, and a 1.1 bWAR through 31 games. While his raw numbers included a relatively modest .714 OPS, he had emerged as a spark plug in a Yankees lineup loaded with right-handed power.

He also brought defensive versatility — switching between second base and center field — and a brash, high-energy presence that endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

“He’s just a dynamic athlete,” said Boone. “When he’s on, he’s electric.”

But his season has been uneven. In 125 plate appearances, Chisholm hit just .181 with seven homers and 17 RBI. His high strikeout rate has persisted, but advanced metrics still like his barrel rate and expected slugging.

If he returns by June and avoids further issues, the Yankees will welcome back a much-needed lefty bat and plus defender. But in the meantime, Boone faces a roster puzzle.

Jorbit Vivas, called up after Chisholm’s IL placement, and Oswald Peraza will handle infield depth. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ medical staff will monitor every step of Chisholm’s progress.

A word of caution

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Jazz back in May,” Bixby said. “But the goal shouldn’t be a quick return. It should be a complete return — pain-free, with full function. That’s how you protect his long-term health and performance.”

The Yankees, who have started the season 21–16 and remain in striking distance in the AL East, can’t afford long-term attrition. Their bullpen is already strained, and injury-plagued veterans like Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu remain in flux.

Whether it’s four weeks or six, Chisholm’s road to recovery is about more than filling a lineup card — it’s about making sure one of the league’s most exciting talents can stay on the field when it matters most.

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