Jazz Chisholm’s off-key defense threatens to undo his Yankees breakout
- August 28, 2024
- 7:55 am
- No Comments
Table of Contents
Follow UsJazz Chisholm Jr.‘s adjustment to third base remains a work in progress, according to New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone. In a recent 4-1 defeat against the Washington Nationals, Chisholm’s latest error added to a tough night for the Yankees, who struggled both at the plate and in the field.
The Yankees’ offense was quiet, managing just one run in the eighth inning on a double-play grounder by Aaron Judge. Defensively, the team committed four errors, including a costly mistake by Chisholm in the first inning.
After the game, Boone discussed Chisholm’s development, noting that the young infielder is still learning the position. He expressed confidence in Chisholm’s potential, stating that his defensive skills range from good to elite. The Yankees skipper emphasized that these game situations are crucial for Chisholm’s growth, offering valuable learning moments.
“Still learning, like I said from jump. On balance, it’s been really good to elite,” he said following the game. “These reps will be really valuable for him, and these plays will be really good learning things for him moving forward.”
Chisholm’s miscue, his sixth in 18 games at third base, occurred when he mishandled a ground ball hit by James Wood. Although Chisholm fielded the ball cleanly, his throw to first base was off the mark, pulling DJ LeMahieu off the bag and allowing Wood to reach safely. Initially scored as a hit, the play was later changed to an error.
These 18 games represent Chisholm’s entire experience at third base in his career. Before joining the Yankees from the Miami Marlins, he was primarily used as a center fielder and second baseman.
Chisholm’s move to third has enabled the Yankees to keep Anthony Volpe at shortstop and Gleyber Torres at second base. While neither has delivered standout offensive performances, both have shown signs of improvement. Torres, who was mentioned in trade rumors, has hit .273 since the All-Star break, while rookie Volpe has raised his average to .263, bouncing back from a slow start.
This situation highlights the Yankees’ strategic challenges when incorporating new players and balancing defensive alignments with offensive production.
For much of the season, the New York Yankees’ offense leaned heavily on Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, with little production from the rest of the lineup. The situation became even more challenging during Giancarlo Stanton‘s month-long stint on the injured list. However, recent weeks have brought a turnaround in the team’s offensive performance.
Chisholm’s Yankees impact evident
Gleyber Torres and Anthony Volpe have stepped up with improved hitting, and catcher Austin Wells has emerged as a surprising offensive contributor. Amid these positive changes, Jazz Chisholm Jr. has made a particularly notable impact on the team.
Chisholm’s influence goes beyond his solid offensive numbers, which have helped alleviate concerns about his transition to third base. In 18 games with the Yankees, he has showcased impressive power, launching eight home runs. His overall contributions at the plate have been strong, featuring a .293 batting average, five stolen bases, and a robust .982 OPS.
More than just his statistics, Chisholm has brought renewed energy and excitement to the Yankees. He has quickly become a fan favorite and infused the clubhouse with a sense of youthful enthusiasm that was lacking during a period of midseason fatigue. This injection of vitality has coincided with a surge in the Yankees’ standings.
The Yankees have climbed back to the top of the American League East, maintaining a 1.5-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles, despite a recent defeat. Chisholm’s diverse contributions — from his offensive power and speed on the bases to his positive effect on team morale — have been crucial to the team’s recent success.
But the continued defensive flaws threaten his Yankees honeymoon.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Follow Us- Categories: anthony volpe, Gleyber Torres, Jazz Chisholm Jr.
- Tags: anthony volpe, Gleyber Torres, Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Related posts:
