Yankees Prepare for MRI as Jazz Chisholm Faces Potential Season-Ending UCL Injury
CHICAGO — After just 14 games into his impactful debut with the New York Yankees, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is now confronted with a potential season-ending injury.
Manager Aaron Boone stated that the third baseman, known for his left-handed batting, is likely to be placed on the injured list due to an unclear UCL injury.
“We’re still evaluating the situation,” Boone said, noting that surgery could be a possibility for Chisholm if the injury is severe.
Chisholm had an MRI on Tuesday, and X-rays taken the previous night showed no fractures.
“We’re waiting to determine the extent of the injury over the next few days,” Boone mentioned before the Yankees’ game against the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Regarding the suggestion that Chisholm might have a UCL tear that necessitates Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing arm, Boone remarked: “I won’t make any comments until all doctors have given their insights. I just know it’s related to the UCL.”
“So, we will have more clarity in the next day or so.”
Chisholm was substituted in the seventh inning of Monday’s 12-2 defeat against the White Sox due to a sore left elbow, which he injured while making a head-first slide home during the fifth inning on an RBI single by Anthony Volpe.
Since joining the Yankees from the Miami Marlins on July 27, Chisholm has made a significant impact, boasting a batting average of .316 with seven home runs and 11 RBIs.
His total of seven homers within his first 12 games has broken a franchise record.
Furthermore, his vibrant personality and enthusiasm for the game provided a much-needed energy infusion for a team that had struggled, losing 23 of their last 34 games before his arrival.
“He has been a crucial player for us, and we hope this isn’t a long-term issue so we can get him back quickly,” Boone expressed. “It’s definitely a challenge not having him on the field.”
Chisholm was included in the Yankees’ reserve roster for Tuesday’s match and will stay with the team for now as they await further medical evaluations, according to Boone.
In Tuesday’s game, Oswaldo Cabrera, who bats both right and left, filled in at third base, batting eighth, while DJ LeMahieu remained on the bench against a right-handed pitcher, and Ben Rice started at first base.
Boone mentioned they might soon call up an infielder from the minor leagues, with Oswald Peraza being a potential candidate, adding, “We’ll try different combinations and see what works best.”
Veteran infielder Jon Berti, who is recovering from a calf strain and recently faced a setback, is currently in Tampa, Florida, and could start a minor league rehab assignment soon, according to Boone.