Yankees March into Dodger Stadium, Buoyed by Encouraging Injury Updates
Revamped Article:
The rallying cry for an injured player coming off the injured list and joining the team, especially close to the trade deadline, is often likened to a big-time acquisition. And as the Yankees gear up to face the Dodgers with a revamped roster, a similar statement may surface a bit earlier than usual.
This time, the focus is on Jazz Chisholm Jr., who's recuperating from an oblique strain. Sidelined since his one at-bat in a 15-3 win against Baltimore, he's potentially set to return next week for the rematch with the Cleveland Guardians.
Assuming rehab goes smoothly, Chisholm could stride back into the scene, and for the Yankees, it ain't just about his batting stats (.181, 7-for-37). No, it's more about the fact he'll likely be playing third base.
Playing every game at second base prior to his injury, Chisholm managed third base remarkably well as a novice for the final two-plus months and is now returning to shore up one of the Yankees' weakest offensive positions in a lineup that leads the league in runs and home runs.
As of Friday's game, the Yankees have a mere .187 batting average and 12 homers and 42 RBIs combined from second base and third base. Last year, first base was the problem, but this year, consistency from Paul Goldschmidt has elevated that mark to a lofty .326.
The Yankees know Chisholm is better than a .180 hitter and will take anything remotely close to the .273 average and .825 OPS he managed in 46 games last season while learning a new position. Chisholm handled the position by posting a .940 fielding percentage with seven errors in 116 chances, but his youth and athleticism might pave the way for improved fielding percentage and better mobility in the field.
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With his consultation with manager Aaron Boone, Chisholm has expressed his readiness to resume his role as a Yankee at third base.
"Boone told me he wanted me at third base," Chisholm told reporters after his rehab game on Thursday. "He really wanted me at third base. I'm a team player, I'm here to win a ring, I'm not here to dispute positions."
These comments contradict numerous reports questioning Chisholm's character and ability to mesh with teammates during his stint with the Miami Marlins. Chisholm has meshed seamlessly with the Yankees, who are in a commanding position to win the AL East due to their strong record and average competition.
And as the Yankees await the returns of key contributors like Giancarlo Stanton (DH) and Luis Gil (pitcher), they appear to be striding towards a potentially even stronger performance, similar to the boost they'd get from trade deadline acquisitions.
The New York Yankees, preparing to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, are poised for a significant addition to their roster, as the impending return of injured infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. could provide a crucial boost to their lineup. Chisholm, who is recuperating from an oblique strain, is set to rejoin the team soon, primarily bolstering their weakest offensive position at third base. The World Series contenders are gearing up for an exciting baseball season in the MLB, with Aaron Boone leading the Yankees and players such as Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. making headlines.
