NEW YORK — The New York Yankees are welcoming back a key piece of their infield puzzle this week, as Jazz Chisholm Jr. is set to return to the lineup for Tuesday night’s opener against the Cleveland Guardians. The 27-year-old infielder, who had been sidelined since late April with an oblique strain, is expected to take over at third base—reshaping the Yankees’ infield alignment just as DJ LeMahieu is beginning to find his rhythm.
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the move following Chisholm’s successful three-game rehab stint with Double-A Somerset, where he slashed .333/.400/.444 over 10 plate appearances and played third base, the position he’s expected to handle in the Bronx.
Chisholm returns to hot corner after rehab progress
Chisholm injured his oblique on April 29 during a game against the Baltimore Orioles and was placed on the 10-day IL. While his return was projected for early June, his smooth rehab performance accelerated the timeline.
The former Marlin, who was acquired at last year’s trade deadline, is still relatively new to third base. However, his defensive upside has shown promise. In 2024, he logged six Outs Above Average over 400 1/3 innings at the position, despite entering the year without any professional experience at the hot corner.
Before the injury this season, Chisholm batted .181/.304/.410 with seven home runs, 17 RBIs, and six stolen bases in 125 plate appearances. While his offensive numbers were underwhelming, his defense and athleticism offer a boost for a Yankees team still navigating multiple infield uncertainties.
“We’re just excited to get Jazz back in there,” Boone said. “His energy, his versatility — that’s something we’ve missed.”
LeMahieu awakens as infield picture tightens
Just as Chisholm is returning, DJ LeMahieu is quietly reasserting himself. The 36-year-old veteran turned in a four-hit performance against the Dodgers on Sunday, his first since 2021, snapping an 0-for-15 slump in the process. The timing couldn’t be more crucial — with Chisholm reclaiming a starting role, only one infield spot is left to rotate between LeMahieu and younger players like Oswald Peraza.
The veteran has shown signs of life since returning from the calf injury that kept him out for the season’s first six weeks. In 15 games, he’s hitting .239 with a .640 OPS, but the underlying metrics offer optimism: his average exit velocity sits at 91.8 mph, a level he hasn’t reached over a full season since 2019.
“We’ve had pretty good length [in the lineup],” Boone said. “But to get some production there at the bottom would be enormous.”
Yankees’ infield decision looms
With Chisholm locked in at third base, LeMahieu’s role will likely shift back to second — at least for now. Peraza, who had performed admirably on the West Coast trip both at the plate and in the field, is expected to see his playing time reduced.
“It’s all about helping the team win,” LeMahieu said after Sunday’s game. “I feel good. Still working, still adjusting. But I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
Boone praised LeMahieu’s presence and experience after Sunday’s win: “Really happy for him. DJ put together a lot of good at-bats. It was great to see him in the middle of the action again.”
Internally, the Yankees remain unsure what the rest of the season will look like for LeMahieu, who is owed $15 million next year. The club hopes to give him a consistent runway over the next couple of months before the July trade deadline, when the team may consider pursuing additional infield help if needed.
“This is a big stretch for DJ,” said one AL scout. “The bat speed and opposite-field approach looked vintage [against the Dodgers]. If he can stay healthy, it really changes their calculus.”
Who is the Yankees’ odd man out?
To activate Chisholm, the Yankees will need to make a corresponding roster move before Tuesday’s game. Candidates to be optioned include Jorbit Vivas, while Pablo Reyes could be designated for assignment. The decision may depend on whether the club wants to retain a right-handed utility option or a controllable lefty bat.
Peraza still offers value off the bench and as a late-inning defensive sub. But the return of Chisholm and the resurgence of LeMahieu make it clear: infield at-bats will now come at a premium.
The Yankees host the Guardians for a three-game set, and all eyes will be on how Boone balances his infield rotation. With Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt anchoring the top of the lineup, the bottom third becomes a swing factor for this team’s offensive consistency.
If Chisholm can bring speed and defense, and if LeMahieu can produce anything close to his All-Star form, the Yankees may not need to look outside the organization to solve their infield puzzle.
For now, the return of Jazz Chisholm and the revival of DJ LeMahieu are timely answers for a team chasing October.
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