Where should Jazz Chisholm play though?
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is nearly ready to return to the Yankees’ lineup. Sidelined since April 30 with a right oblique strain, the 26-year-old is slated to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday with Double-A Somerset, at home against Akron.
If all goes well, Chisholm could be activated as soon as next week, according to manager Aaron Boone.
Chisholm will start at third base in Thursday’s game against Akron, a potential preview of where the Yankees may use him upon his return. Boone said the team is keeping all options open.
Jazz Chisholm played primarily at third base after being traded from the Marlins last July, despite never having played the position professionally before. Over 45 starts at the hot corner, he committed seven errors in 400 1/3 innings for a .940 fielding percentage, with a -2 defensive runs saved rating (FanGraphs). While there were some bumps early on, the Yankees were largely encouraged by his progress.
Opening Day third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera fractured his left ankle earlier this month and underwent surgery. The injury is likely season-ending. Oswald Peraza has since taken over the position, but he’s struggled at the plate, batting just .160 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 34 games.
Another factor is DJ LeMahieu. Now 36, LeMahieu has flashed a few signs of returning to form since coming off the injured list, but he’s batting .184 in 11 games heading into Wednesday, and if Jazz Chisholm plays third base, it would be mainly to accommodate him.
ALSO READ: Yankees Set to Have an Infield Logjam – Where Will Jazz Chisholm Play?
The Yankees, 35-20, are leading AL East with a seven game margin and are on a tear lately. They have won 9 of their last ten games, five straight games, and seven series on the trot. They are now closing in on the AL leading Detroit Tigers who are just two games ahead. It has been a month of absolutely brilliant pitching by the Yankees staff. A few standout names in the offense like Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and Aaron Judge (of course) will now be joined by Jazz Chisholm Jr., who was hitting low on BA, but managed to get some serious power before hitting the IL.
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