New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. may be sidelined longer than expected as he continues treatment for discomfort in his right side. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Wednesday that Chisholm is undergoing evaluation and will have an MRI on Thursday in New York to determine the extent of the injury and the next steps.
The issue stems from discomfort in Chisholm’s right oblique, a sensitive area that has sidelined many players in the past. While Boone didn’t commit to a timeline, he acknowledged lingering soreness remains a concern. “We’ll see what we have,” he said, adding that the MRI will be critical in guiding Chisholm’s recovery plan.
Chisholm Leaves Game After First-Inning Double
Chisholm exited Tuesday night’s game in Baltimore after appearing to injure himself during his first at-bat. Facing Orioles starter Kyle Gibson in the top of the first inning, Chisholm grimaced and reached for his side after fouling off the first pitch. Despite the discomfort, he stayed in the game and lined a double down the right-field line, eventually advancing to third on an error. However, third base coach Luis Rojas signaled for a pinch-runner, and Oswald Peraza replaced Chisholm shortly after.
The Yankees later announced that Chisholm had exited due to “right flank discomfort,” a term that drew attention in the Camden Yards press box and among fans. Asked about the unusual phrasing following the Yankees’ 15-3 rout of the Orioles, Chisholm smiled and took credit.
“Maybe me, I don’t know,” Chisholm said with a laugh. “It really is my flank. If you look at a cow, that’s their oblique, I guess. I went and looked it up and was like, ‘Yeah, I can use that.’”
Still, Boone made it clear that the team is being cautious. While Chisholm said he felt “fine” and downplayed the pain, the Yankees manager admitted concern about a possible oblique injury, a recurring issue in baseball that often requires rest and rehab.
Chisholm Believes It’s Not Serious
Chisholm tried to reassure reporters after the game, saying he’s experienced a torn oblique in the past and doesn’t believe this is as serious. “I feel pretty good,” he said. “I’ve torn my oblique before, so I know it’s not like torn or anything. I can cough without any pain. It’s just to be cautious and not try to overdo it.”
Boone confirmed the plan for an MRI to clarify the situation. The Yankees hope for good news, especially with several key players already battling injuries.
Yankees Launch Four Homers in First Inning
Chisholm’s early exit slightly overshadowed an otherwise historic offensive outburst from the Yankees. The team hit four home runs in the first inning for the second time this season, with Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, and Cody Bellinger all going deep off Gibson.
“Man, it was sick watching all of them go, especially Cody,” Chisholm said. “I know he’s been pretty unlucky so far this season.”
Chisholm, who was acquired by the Yankees in a trade last July, is hitting .181 (19-for-105) with seven home runs and 17 RBIs over 30 games in his first full season in the Bronx.
Infield Depth Could Be Tested
If Chisholm is forced to miss time, the Yankees have several internal options to cover second base. Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Pablo Reyes could all see increased playing time. Cabrera has mostly handled third base duties in DJ LeMahieu’s absence but could shift over if needed.
Down in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Jorbit Vivas has also been swinging a hot bat and could be considered for a call-up if the Yankees need additional infield depth.
LeMahieu Also Under Evaluation
Meanwhile, LeMahieu received a cortisone injection in his right hip on Tuesday. Boone described it as a preemptive measure, noting that LeMahieu “felt something coming on” during his rehab assignment. After missing nearly all of Spring Training, LeMahieu has played in four games for Double-A Somerset.
The Yankees are hoping for clarity on both Jazz Chisholm and LeMahieu by the end of the week as they continue to manage an infield reshaped by injuries.
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