Will Jazz Chisholm Jr. Be Ready For Yankees Playoff Run?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 1:23 PM ET

It was a tense moment for New York on Saturday when Jazz Chisholm Jr. left the game in the fifth inning after being hit on the left forearm by a 96.8-mph pitch from Grant Wolfram. Initial X-rays and a follow-up CT scan came back negative, giving the Yankees and their fans some relief.

Still, on Sunday afternoon, when the final lineup of the regular season came out, his name was noticeably missing.

But until Boone, the medical staff, and Jazz himself confirm he’s good to go, the rest of the season carries a cloud.

Chisholm told reporters before Sunday’s regular-season finale that he has some swelling in the arm, but expects to be OK. Aaron Boone said he could be available off the bench.

Still, it’s concerning that the Yankees are going into Sunday’s game with an American League East title on the line and Chisholm is sitting. Until Boone, the medical staff, and Jazz himself confirm he's all clear, it's a concern.

Chisholm has quietly become one of New York’s most dangerous all-around players. In 128 games, he’s hitting .244 with 31 home runs, 80 RBIs, and a 30-steal season to boot. That puts him in the 30/30 club — a rare mix of power and speed. In fact, this is viewed as his breakout campaign in pinstripes.

His blend of athleticism, defensive versatility, and batting threat gives Boone options up and down the lineup. When he’s healthy, Chisholm can slot at second or third (the Yankees have played him in both spots) and provide lineup protection behind Judge, Stanton, and company.

Losing Chisholm, even temporarily, would bite deep.

His bat is integral, his defense solid, and his presence allows the Yankees to rest veterans or deploy favorable matchups. If he’s unavailable, Jose Caballero is the most logical internal fill at second.

With the Yankees most likely beginning their playoff run on Tuesday (unless they win and the Blue Jays lose, giving them the American League East title and a bye), it’s smart to rest Chisholm on Sunday.

But If Chisholm can’t suit up on Tuesday, the Yankees lose more than a bat stat line — they lose one of their puzzle pieces.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: