Injury woes mount for the Yankees, as Jazz Chisholm faces uncertainty, LeMahieu is still out, and Stroman’s recovery lags.
The surging Yankees, who’ve claimed victory in five of their last ten outings amid a power-hitting renaissance, encountered worrying injury developments this week. Jazz Chisholm Jr. departed Tuesday’s commanding 15-3 triumph over Baltimore with right oblique discomfort – officially described as “right flank discomfort” by Camden Yards announcers.
Despite appearing minor and Chisholm maintaining positive spirits afterward, the Yankees organization isn’t gambling with his health. Simultaneously, DJ LeMahieu’s rehabilitation journey from a spring training calf strain has temporarily halted following a cortisone injection addressing an emerging hip complication.
Amid their offensive explosion and pursuit of consistency in the infield, both situations highlight the precarious nature of roster depth – even during periods of exceptional batting performance.
Chisholm confident, but Boone concerned
Ever the self-assured competitor, Jazz Chisholm Jr. remained characteristically upbeat Tuesday evening. After experiencing tightness during his first-inning swing against Baltimore’s Kyle Gibson, Chisholm battled through the at-bat, ripping a double down the right field line before a pinch-runner replaced him shortly thereafter, ending his participation for the night.
“I’m really not as concerned as everybody else,” Chisholm said, smiling. “I’ve torn my oblique before, so I know it’s not torn or anything.”
Aaron Boone’s assessment proved more cautious. “I’m a little bit concerned,” Boone admitted. “We’ll see what we have” when Chisholm undergoes an MRI on Thursday, the Yankees’ off day.
The sequence prompting his removal occurred immediately following his double. While diving into third base during an error, third-base coach Luis Rojas signaled distress to the dugout. Though the 26-year-old briefly remained in action, he exited moments later, walking gingerly off the field.
“I’d rather take two-three days off than six weeks or so,” Chisholm said. “I think it was a smart idea” to leave the game early.
The Yankees hope imaging confirms Chisholm’s instincts – that the injury represents a minor setback rather than a lengthy absence. He remains optimistic and even joked about the unconventional terminology used in the official announcement.
“It really is in my flank,” he laughed. “If you look at a cow, that’s their oblique, I guess. … I went and looked it up, and I was like, ‘Yeah, I can use that.'”
LeMahieu encounters hip setback halting rehab
Just as the Yankees prepared to advance DJ LeMahieu’s rehabilitation assignment to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the seasoned infielder encountered another obstacle – this time an unrelated ailment.
LeMahieu received a cortisone injection in his hip Tuesday, forcing the Yankees to suspend his rehabilitation activities.
Boone explained that the treatment was somewhat preemptive, noting that LeMahieu had dealt with similar issues previously. He described LeMahieu as exceptionally tough, typically powering through discomfort and grinding through challenges. According to Boone, LeMahieu indicated this treatment approach had proven effective for him in the past.
LeMahieu had been progressing well, hitting 6-for-10 across four appearances with Double-A Somerset. While the organization hopes he might resume playing by Thursday or Friday, no guarantees exist.
“My sense is it was pretty minor,” Boone said. “I think he just wants to make sure he gives himself the best runway to be successful.”
At 36, LeMahieu has confronted multiple lower-body injuries recently. After sustaining a left calf strain during his first spring training appearance, he has yet to make his 2025 regular season debut.
Stroman’s rehab fails to show much progress
The New York Yankees’ rotation depth continues to be tested, with right-hander Marcus Stroman still not progressing as expected from his left knee inflammation.
Stroman was originally placed on the 15-day injured list back on April 12, with optimism that his return would come relatively quickly. Manager Aaron Boone and the team had hoped he would be back in the mix soon, especially with fellow starter Luis Gil also on the mend.
But the latest update suggests otherwise.
According to the Yankees’ official injury report, Boone revealed on April 28 that Stroman “is still experiencing discomfort” in his left knee and continues to battle “some irritation that won’t leave.” The lingering soreness has stalled his recovery process and prevented him from advancing in his rehab work.
At this point, Stroman has been limited to light throwing, restricted to just playing catch, with no additional workload permitted. He is without a timetable for his return to the mound. With his progress at a standstill, it appears he’ll be sidelined longer than the team had initially projected.
Infield adjustments on horizon?
Should Chisholm require injured list placement while LeMahieu’s return faces further delays, the Yankees must redistribute infield responsibilities. Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Pablo Reyes represent internal candidates for increased playing time. Additionally, Jorbit Vivas’s impressive performance at Triple-A positions him as a potential promotion candidate if depth concerns intensify.
Chisholm’s absence, if brief, likely won’t prove catastrophic – particularly considering the Yankees’ current offensive production. However, the extended unavailability of both he and LeMahieu could generate ripple effects that affect lineup flexibility and middle-infield defensive alignment.
The Yankees’ impressive 2025 beginning has been propelled by power-hitting, effective pitching, and unexpected contributions – including Chisholm’s dynamic performances. As the season progresses, managing player health will prove equally crucial as managing game results.
Currently, optimism prevails in the Bronx. Chisholm’s confident demeanor and Boone’s cautiously hopeful comments reflect an organization maintaining composure – for now.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
