According to manager Aaron Boone during a Wednesday afternoon media session (reported by SNY), the New York Yankees are sending second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the injured list with a thumb sprain. Boone indicated that Chisholm will suspend all baseball-related activities for a period of seven to ten days. With only about two and a half weeks remaining in the regular season, this schedule means Chisholm likely won’t be back until just before the postseason begins.
On Tuesday, the Yankees’ lineup received a significant lift when three-time MVP Aaron Judge rejoined the team, bringing their offense closer to its peak capacity, even as they continue to wait on Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham. However, only twenty-four hours later, Chisholm’s injury lands him on the IL alongside Stanton and Grisham.
The 28-year-old Chisholm has compiled a slash line of .232/.312/.403 (good for a 98 OPS+) alongside 19 home runs, 40 stolen bases, and a 1.5 WAR over the course of the season. In his absence, both Amed Rosario and José Caballero emerge as potential options to handle second base duties.
At this stage of the season, any injury to the Yankees carries heavy postseason consequences. Though they currently command the top wild-card position in the American League, their ultimate goal remains overtaking the Rays to clinch the AL East crown and secure the top seed in the AL, which comes with a first-round bye in the ALDS. As of Wednesday, New York sits four games behind Tampa Bay. While that margin is challenging with a mere 18 games left on the schedule, the gap could close quickly given an upcoming four-game showdown between the rivals at Yankee Stadium later this month.
Under the current postseason bracket, the Yankees would find themselves matched up against their division rivals, the Boston Red Sox, in the Wild Card round.
For now, the Bronx Bombers will be looking for a speedy recovery for Stanton, Grisham, and Chisholm, while also counting on Judge to recapture his peak performance, which is arguably even more crucial for their success.
