Chisholm excels in infield return, delivers instant results for Yankees

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Into his second game in pinstripes, Jazz Chisholm Jr. made a striking impression on New York Yankees fans. The versatile newcomer, acquired from the Marlins, immediately showcased his skills in a 14-4 victory over the Phillies. He demonstrated his power by hitting two home runs, including a surprising shot with Aaron Judge’s bat against a position player.

Additionally, his smooth transition to third base—despite never having played there professionally—highlighted his adaptability. This standout performance suggests that Chisholm could be the dynamic force the Yankees need, offering a blend of speed, power, and defensive versatility. His impact aligns perfectly with the team’s desire for a spark plug to invigorate their lineup and enhance their defensive capabilities.

Chisholm expressed contentment with his performance at third base, feeling that returning to the infield was a natural fit and reinforcing his belief that it was his true position. He noted his debut the previous day had been in center field.

“I felt really comfortable at third,” he said. “Back in the infield felt great. That’s where I feel I deserve to be.” 

During pre-game warm-ups, Chisholm felt comfortable after fielding some ground balls, which helped him settle in for his first start at third base. He stressed the importance of handling the initial play, letting the ball come to him, and executing the defensive move effectively. His remarks highlighted his confidence in his ability to adapt and contribute across different defensive roles for the Yankees.

“It’s just about getting the first one out of the way, letting the ball find you and making the play,” the Yankees infielder said. 

Chisholm’s debut at third base started with an early challenge, which he handled effortlessly by fielding a grounder from Trea Turner in the first inning and starting a double play. Throughout the game, he was solid defensively, handling routine plays with ease and making a notable catch on Nick Castellanos‘ line drive in the seventh inning.

Yankees’ admiration for Chisholm pours in

Judge praised Chisholm’s dynamic presence, highlighting his enthusiasm and immediate impact on the team. Chisholm’s contributions were clear both at the plate and in the field.

“He’s electric,” the Yankees captain said. “He’s excited to be here, having fun. He’s made a big impact.” 

Before the game, Boone expressed confidence in Chisholm’s ability to start at third base, despite his limited experience in the position. He attributed this confidence to Chisholm’s outstanding athleticism and his background as a shortstop, which the Yankees manger believed equipped him to handle the role effectively. Boone emphasized the team’s belief in Chisholm’s versatility and adaptability, especially given his recent arrival from the Marlins.

The manager acknowledged that integrating Chisholm might come with some challenges and growing pains, which the team would need to accept. He clarified that Chisholm’s role at third base was not set in stone, emphasizing the team’s desire to stay flexible and assess the most effective defensive combinations.

“He’s a special athlete,” the Yankees skipper said. “He came up as a shortstop and we feel like he has all the skills and ability to handle it.”

“We’ll keep it fluid,” he added. “It’s not set in stone. We want to get a look at what’s the best combination for us out there.”

In terms of alternatives, it was noted that Gleyber Torres had reservations about moving from second base to third. The manager also hinted at potential trades before the deadline that could further change the infield setup.

When asked about his concerns over introducing two players to new positions simultaneously, including Ben Rice at first base, the manager admitted to some apprehension. However, he highlighted that recent roster changes had notably improved the team, even though they were still a work in progress.

Despite these challenges, the team’s performance had noticeably improved in the two games since Chisholm’s arrival. This early positive impact suggested that the benefits of integrating Chisholm might outweigh any short-term adjustments needed.

Boone lauded Chisholm’s smooth integration into the team, highlighting his enthusiasm and the infectious energy he brings to the clubhouse. He noted that Chisholm has added a valuable new dimension to the roster.

“He’s fit in right away,” he said. “He likes the action. … The energy he walks into the building with, you can feel that. He’s a really good dimension added to our club. I’ve liked his eagerness here in the early days,” Boone said. “He’s excited to be here and wants to be with a winner.”

Boone appreciated Chisholm’s eagerness and excitement in his early days with the team, underscoring his enthusiasm for joining a competitive organization. Boone’s remarks indicated high expectations for Chisholm, regardless of his eventual defensive role. Overall, his comments conveyed confidence in Chisholm’s potential to positively influence both the team’s performance and its culture.

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