ESPN: The Yankees are depending on Aaron Boone.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. wants to return to the field as soon as possible, but the Yankees must go cautiously.
Last week, the New York Yankees suffered a serious setback when Jazz Chisholm Jr. left a game against the Baltimore Orioles after complaining of “flank discomfort.” The former All-Star was surprised to learn that it was a high-grade strain of Chisholm’s oblique.
“I’m shocked,” Chisholm said to NJ.com. “I’ve had an oblique twice, and this time it feels very different from the first. When I got the findings, I was very taken aback.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s oblique has a “high grade strain.” “It will take some time,” Aaron Boone stated. Jazz said, “I couldn’t believe it.”
There’s always a chance that Chisholm may “beat the timeline,” as Yankees manager Aaron Boone puts it, but his early expectations of a speedy comeback are out the window. He points to Chisholm’s “history of healing well,” which would allow the gifted second baseman to avoid the usual 4- to 6-week recovery period.
Boone must tread cautiously, even if the Yankees would undoubtedly prefer to see Chisholm return to the lineup as soon as possible. Chisholm is too crucial to the Yankees’ long-term prospects to risk bringing him back quickly for temporary benefits. Even if Chisholm claims to be OK before the four weeks are out, which is quite likely.
The Yankees and Aaron Boone must shield Jazz Chisholm Jr. from his own sense of competition.
Regretfully, Chisholm’s career to date has been significantly impacted by injuries. Only twice in his five MLB seasons—including the 2024 season—has he played more than 100 games. Despite his exceptional skill and exceptional agility, Chisholm is prone to sustaining a variety of injuries, such as sprains and rips.
The Yankees must safeguard their financial commitment. Chisholm’s contract expires the next season, after which he will be available for purchase. Even if the asking price gradually rises to nine figures, we must presume that New York wants him back. The Yankees should exercise extreme caution if they want to make Chisholm a long-term mainstay. Nobody should be hurried back from injury at this early stage of the season, certainly not a player with Chisholm’s past.
The top spot goes to New York. With every game that goes by, the gaps on Brian Cashman’s roster grow more noticeable, but the Yankees should be able to hold their own until Chisholm recovers. With Chisholm (and D.J. LeMahieu) away, Oswaldo Cabrera and Jorbit Vivas have taken on more senior responsibilities. Although none is playing well, Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge, and Ben Rice seem capable of pulling this team to a respectable level.
