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Yankees Facing Major Jazz Chisholm Decision After Oswaldo Cabrera Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated May 14, 2025 1:14 PM ET

It’s already been a busy week for the New York Yankees infield, which lost third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera to a left ankle fracture before two-time batting champion DJ LeMahieu rejoined the active roster.

LeMaheiu’s return from calf and hip problems comes only weeks after second baseman Jazz Chisholm suffered a high-grade right oblique strain. Luckily for the Yankees, they can finally plan on seeing both former All-Stars share an infield and a lineup soon.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters this week that Chisholm, who hit the injured list on May 2, could potentially beat the projected 4-6 week recovery timeline.

“He’s certainly [champing] at the bit and pushing a little bit,” Boone said, according to NJ.com.

“He’s been running and throwing already,” Boone added, “so we’ll just see, as far as the hitting progression goes.”

Ordinarily, the Yankees might be tempted to rush Chisholm back—and for good reason, especially given his power stroke. The lefty slugger hit seven home runs over his first 125 plate appearances, but he managed a .181 average and a 39-15 K-BB ratio through 30 games.

However, LeMahieu’s return puts the Yankees in an interesting position. Although LeMahieu only hit .232 with a .663 OPS and -0.3 bWAR from 2023-24, he’s also a Gold Glove-winning infielder with extensive experience at second and third base.

The Yankees frequently played Chisholm at third base and LeMahieu at first last summer. With Paul Goldschmidt entrenched at first base and on pace to reach his eighth All-Star Game, we’ll see if the Yankees move LeMahieu back to third and keep Chisholm at second.

Would, and should, the Yankees consider taking Chisholm’s recovery slightly slower if LeMahieu stays healthy? The Yankees’ backup infield depth isn’t the most reliable; fourth-year infielder Oswald Peraza is mired in a 5-for-30 slump, and rookie second baseman Jorbit Vivas is only 3-for-21.

LeMahieu, meanwhile, struck out in his lone at-bat during Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners. The Yankees are likely still optimistic, though, after he hit a torrid .444 with a home run, four RBI, and a .500 on-base percentage over 30 minor-league plate appearances.

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

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