Yankees Face Concerning Jazz Chisholm Update Before Series In Boston

The Yankees had initially downplayed the severity of Chisholm’s latest issue—tightness in his left groin that forced him out after five innings Wednesday. Boone said strength tests had “come back good,” and Chisholm told The New York Post he believed exiting early helped prevent something worse. He even said he’d be available off the bench Thursday if needed.

That never happened.

This all came after Chisholm left Tuesday’s game following a headfirst slide into third, a play that followed a brief, heated exchange of words and stares with Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia. Chisholm told third base coach Luis Rojas that he planned to slap Garcia. Cooler heads won, but Chisholm didn’t finish that game either.

Now, with Chisholm out again Friday night, Paul Goldschmidt moves into the spotlight.

Goldschmidt has reached base in 32 of 33 road games this year, hitting .386 with a .980 OPS. Against left-handed pitching, he’s been nearly automatic—batting .444 with a 1.286 OPS. He’s reached base in 16 of his 18 career games against Boston and is hitting .326 in 22 games out of the leadoff spot for New York.

He won’t bring Chisholm’s flash or speed, but with the Yankees down a key bat again, Goldschmidt’s consistency becomes one of the most important things they have.