The New York Yankees got a scare Thursday night when Jazz Chisholm Jr. left their win over the Astros with bruises on both knees. For a moment, it looked like New York might lose one of its most dynamic players just as the AL East race hits its peak.
New York’s second baseman avoids setback as AL East race heats up
Chisholm has been one of the Yankees’ most valuable pieces this season. The two-time All-Star leads the team with 26 stolen bases, while also ranking near the top in home runs (28), walks (54), and RBIs (70). His ability to change games with both speed and power has made him a centerpiece of the lineup.
But the injury turned out to be less serious than it first appeared. By Friday afternoon, the Yankees announced that Chisholm would not only avoid the injured list, but he would start at second base and bat sixth against the Blue Jays. The 27-year-old confirmed Thursday night that he felt fine, brushing off concerns after going 4-for-11 with two homers in the Houston series.
MORE: Los Angeles Dodgers get update on Will Smith following injury
That’s welcome news for New York, which trails Toronto by three games entering their final head-to-head series of the season. The Blue Jays already own the season tiebreaker after winning seven of the first ten meetings, so the Yankees need a strong weekend to keep the division within reach.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Boston is just a half-game behind New York in the standings, making this a pivotal stretch with the Red Sox looming next week. After that, the Yankees finish the regular season against teams with losing records, leaving this series with Toronto as their last big test.
On Friday night, Cam Schlittler takes the mound for New York opposite veteran ace Kevin Gausman, with Chisholm right back in the lineup.
More MLB News:
- Breaking: Walker Buehler finds new home in National League for September
- First Ever: History Made in MLB on Sunday from Seattle
- Paul Skenes makes quick and easy work of the Colorado Rockies
- Next up: Mickey Mantle for Seattle's Cal Raleigh
- Surprise hurler leads San Diego Padres into first place on Saturday