The Yankees are cautiously optimistic that Jazz Chisholm could avoid surgery and return in three to four weeks, despite an MRI revealing a UCL injury, according to Jon Heyman. However, the team has not ruled out surgery, and the full extent of the injury will be known only after team doctors complete a thorough review of the MRI results in the next 24 hours.
After Monday’s game, Jazz Chisholm downplayed the severity of his injury but acknowledged some soreness in his elbow. “I think he’s bummed out because he wanted to be in the lineup,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He woke up feeling like, ‘I’m playing.’ We’ll see what we have. Hopefully, it’s not something that keeps him out too long.”
Jazz Chisholm has been a standout performer since joining the Yankees from the Miami Marlins at the trade deadline. In 61 plate appearances, he’s posted a 1.062 OPS with seven home runs and five stolen bases, all while adjusting to a new position at third base.
“He’s been really impactful for us,” Boone added. “Hopefully, this is just a short-term thing. We’ll get him back and rolling, but it’s tough to not have him in there with what he’s meant to our team already.”
What lies ahead of the Yankees?
With Jazz Chisholm expected to miss time, the Yankees will likely turn to Oswaldo Cabrera and DJ LeMahieu to fill the gap at third base. Cabrera started at third in Tuesday’s game, while LeMahieu has recently been used in a platoon role at first base with Ben Rice when facing left-handed pitchers. Boone indicated he’ll continue to mix and match at third base depending on pitching matchups.
Should Jazz Chisholm land on the injured list, the Yankees are expected to call up a player from Triple-A. Candidates include Jahmai Jones, Oswald Peraza, and Caleb Durbin.
Jones, a clubhouse favorite, has played parts of 33 games for the Yankees and could be a viable option against left-handed pitching, with a .925 OPS in 23 at-bats. However, this move might be seen as low-risk with limited upside, as Jones isn’t considered a game-changer. Because the Yankees designated him for assignment earlier, they would need to add him back to the 40-man roster.
Peraza has been on a hot streak in Triple-A, posting a 175 wRC+ over his last 20 games with a double-digit walk rate. Although third base isn’t his primary position, Peraza is one of the organization’s most reliable infielders and is already on the 40-man roster.
Durbin presents a more unconventional option. With a wRC+ of 136 and a strikeout rate below 10 percent in Triple-A, he has garnered strong support within the organization. While Durbin could be in the mix to start at second or third base next season, he’s not currently on the 40-man roster, which would require a corresponding move.
Boone also mentioned that Jon Berti, who is rehabbing from a calf injury, might begin a rehab assignment next week, though he won’t be available for a few more weeks due to his extended absence.
According to The Athletic, the best-case scenario for Jazz Chisholm would see him sidelined for only a couple of weeks, returning in time for the playoffs. The worst-case scenario could involve Tommy John surgery, which would end his season but likely have him ready for Opening Day next year.
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