Chisholm’s Yankees debut: A mix of brilliance, brief injury worry

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Jazz Chisholm Jr., the New York Yankees’ recent acquisition, had an eventful debut Sunday night against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The eighth inning brought a brief scare when he took an accidental elbow to the jaw while rounding second base. Yankees Manager Aaron Boone and a team trainer quickly assessed him, but the newest Yankee managed to stay in the game.

Showing his determination, Chisholm went on to steal third base and score on a sacrifice fly, helping the Yankees secure an 8-2 victory.

Despite arriving at the ballpark just an hour before the game due to travel delays, Chisholm started in center field and batted fifth. He expressed excitement about joining the Yankees, highlighting the team’s legendary status and his admiration for Derek Jeter, whom he looked up to growing up and later knew as an owner of the Miami Marlins.

“It was super exciting,” he said. “Every kid dreams of being a Yankee. It’s the most famous team in baseball that Derek Jeter played on. Everybody’s favorite player was Derek Jeter growing up. I had him as an owner [with the Marlins]. So I just feel like it was only right to come over and put on the uniform.” 

Chisholm also shared that he received a congratulatory message from the prime minister of his native Bahamas, emphasizing the importance of his move to the Yankees. This transition marks an exhilarating new chapter in his career, realizing his dream of wearing the iconic pinstripes.

Yankees plan position change for Chisholm

The New York Yankees are set to introduce a significant position change for newly acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. As early as Monday’s series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, he will take on the role of third baseman, a position he has never played professionally. Possibly, it is due to Gleyber Torres’ refusal to part with second base.

“Right now, I’ve got him in the middle of the order,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I kind of see him there right now, especially the way Dugey is starting to swing the bat. I’ll probably throw Gleyber up there when we get a lefty [opponent]. It could be Jazz at some point, too. We’ll just kind of see how it all shakes out.”

Originally a shortstop, Chisholm has also logged time at second base and center field. Despite the lack of experience at third, he has expressed readiness to adapt, emphasizing his commitment to the team’s success and his confidence in his infield skills.

Manager Boone is enthusiastic about Chisholm’s willingness to embrace the new position. Boone highlighted Chisholm’s defensive versatility, noting his athleticism and shortstop background should facilitate a smooth transition to third base.

“For me, it’s going somewhere — especially as a winning team and they’re asking me to go somewhere to help them win, I’m definitely going to go out there and do it,” Chisholm said. “I feel like I’m a really good infielder, so I just got to go over there and catch the ball.” 

The Yankees’ coaching staff will work closely with Chisholm to ensure he is well-prepared and comfortable in his new role. Boone believes that this strategic move will bolster the team’s roster, addressing a significant gap in their lineup.

Chisholm’s adaptability and positive attitude towards the position change underscore his dedication to contributing to the Yankees’ success. The decision to move him to third base reflects the team’s confidence in his athletic abilities and their strategy to optimize his talents.

As the Yankees push for the playoffs, Chisholm’s versatility and willingness to tackle new challenges could be pivotal in addressing the team’s needs and enhancing their overall performance.

The Yankees are experimenting with various lineup configurations following the acquisition of Jazz Chisholm Jr. Manager Aaron Boone disclosed that Gleyber Torres will also practice at third base, a position he last played in the minors in 2018. Despite this, Boone is hesitant to move Torres from his preferred second base position.

Boone stressed the importance of finding suitable defensive positions for all players in the coming weeks. He noted that transitioning Chisholm might be simpler than moving multiple players, considering Chisholm’s recent stint in center field.

Currently, the team envisions Chisholm, who is under team control through 2026, as a potential third baseman, partly due to DJ LeMahieu‘s struggles since his foot injury in late May. His addition aims to inject consistency into a lineup that has faltered outside of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Although Chisholm has experience as a leadoff hitter, Boone plans to initially slot him in the middle of the order. Alex Verdugo and Torres are expected to share leadoff duties based on pitching matchups.

Positioning Chisholm in the middle of the lineup could enhance base-stealing opportunities. Chisholm, who will don No. 13 for the Yankees, has showcased his baserunning skills with the Marlins, successfully stealing 22 bases in 30 attempts this season.

As the Yankees continue to refine their roster, Chisholm’s versatility and speed are viewed as critical assets in addressing both offensive and defensive needs.

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