The New York Yankees faced a challenging setback on the field as they suffered a significant loss to the Chicago White Sox, ending with a crushing 12-2 scoreline. However, the game offered more trouble for the Yankees than just the lopsided score.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s Injury
The injury bug bit hard when Jazz Chisholm Jr. exited the game in the seventh inning due to a UCL injury in his left elbow, which occurred during a slide into home plate in the fifth inning. Chisholm, known for his resilience, initially stayed in the game and played two more innings on defense at third base before being replaced by a pinch-hitter.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed more about Chisholm's situation, noting, "We'll probably have a better idea after all the doctors weigh in over the next 24 hours." Boone's concern was evident as Chisholm had reported feeling ready to play despite the injury. "He's bummed out because he wanted to be in the lineup today. He woke up today feeling like, 'I'm playing today,'" Boone added. The Yankees are hoping for the best, as Boone expressed, "Let's see what we have, and hopefully it's not something that's too long."
Chisholm's Impact
Since being acquired from the Miami Marlins, Chisholm has made a substantial impact, especially at third base. In just 13 games with the Yankees, he has hit seven home runs, showcasing his power at the plate. Before his injury, Chisholm was maintaining a .257/.328/.445 slash line with 20 home runs and 26 stolen bases, confirming his status as a key player in the Yankees lineup.
Adjustments and Roster Changes
With Chisholm placed on the injured list due to a left elbow sprain, the Yankees are expected to utilize a platoon of Oswaldo Cabrera and DJ LeMahieu at third base in the interim. This shift demonstrates the team's depth and readiness to adapt to unforeseen challenges.
Further adjustments came with the Yankees calling up infielder Oswald Peraza and right-hander Will Warren. These moves are accompanied by the difficult decision to designate reliever Enyel De Los Santos for assignment. The Yankees' roster adjustments reflect their drive to maintain competitiveness, particularly given their current standing in the AL East division.
Despite the recent setback and unfortunate injury, the Yankees hold a narrow half-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the division. They showed resilience with a victory on Tuesday, triumphing 4-1.
The Yankees now find themselves in a critical phase where they must continue to push forward while hoping Chisholm's injury does not sideline him for an extended period. The coming days will be crucial as they await a comprehensive diagnosis and plan for their talented infielder.