Yankees manager Aaron Boone had a private conversation with third baseman Jazz Chisholm ahead of the American League Championship Series opener at Yankee Stadium. Boone encouraged Chisholm to keep his vibrant personality and enthusiasm on the field, but he urged him to refrain from making disparaging remarks about opponents.
This guidance followed Chisholm’s post-game comments after the Yankees’ Game 2 loss in the ALDS, where he suggested that the Royals’ victory was simply a matter of luck. His remark drew criticism from Royals players and fans, leading to loud jeers directed at Chisholm during Games 3 and 4 in Kansas City.
Boone expressed a preference for players to adopt a more measured approach in their comments, acknowledging the unclear impact of “bulletin-board material” on team performance. He emphasized the importance of letting the Yankees’ play on the field do the talking.
“I’m sure there’s been examples of bulletin-board material that you could say worked because the team did well or didn’t,” the Yankees manager said. “Was it because of that? I don’t know. I prefer to keep our comments a little tighter. Play it between the lines.”
Despite the backlash, Chisholm appeared to embrace his role as a provocateur in Kansas City, a stance that entertained his teammates. Boone clarified that he didn’t mind Chisholm’s antics, particularly since the Yankees won both away games to clinch the series.
The Yankees manager highlighted his discussion with Chisholm, stressing the need for him to enjoy the playoff atmosphere while remaining aware of the team’s goals and his vital role in achieving them. Boone expressed confidence in Chisholm as long as he stays focused on the game.
“We’ve talked,” he said. “I want him to be himself and feed off everything that the playoffs is, but understand what we’re going after and how important he is to all that. As long as he’s focused, we’re good.”
Rizzo returns to Yankees lineup amid a cautious approach
Anthony Rizzo made a strong return to the Yankees lineup in Game 1 of the ALCS against Cleveland, just over two weeks after fracturing two fingers in his right hand. However, his substitution for Oswaldo Cabrera at first base at the start of the ninth inning raised some eyebrows.
Rizzo reported no issues with his hand during the game. Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained that the decision to remove Rizzo was based on both physical and emotional fatigue after his time away from the field.
The Yankees plan to evaluate Rizzo’s hand on Tuesday before determining his status for Game 2. Despite not facing live pitching since his injury just before the end of the regular season, Rizzo displayed encouraging signs during the game.
In his first at-bat, Rizzo hit a sharp single to center field and later walked during a productive three-run inning. His defense was solid until he misplayed a ground ball from Brayan Rocchio in the eighth.
Before the game, the Yankees first baseman acknowledged the likelihood of some discomfort but felt confident that the playoff atmosphere and adrenaline would help him push through. He reflected on the importance of postseason play in his career, expressing gratitude for the Yankees’ chance to compete for a pennant. He emphasized the need to appreciate these opportunities, acknowledging the limited nature of a playing career.
“I’ve had the opportunity throughout my career to play a good amount of postseason baseball, and this is what you play for,” he said. “The clock is only ticking on my age and getting older. You just never know when you’re going to have an opportunity to play for a pennant again, ever again. You can’t take any of this for granted.”
Boone praised Rizzo’s performance, crediting his determination and the medical staff’s evaluation of his readiness. After the game, the Yankees manager reiterated that Rizzo was fine and expected him to be in the lineup for Game 2, emphasizing that the late-game substitution was primarily due to fatigue.
“I thought he was sharp,” the Yankees manager said, “which was really good to see. It was more a little bit of his conviction and the trainers feeling like he was in a good spot.”
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