Jazz Chisholm -- General News

Jazz Chisholm addressed the media Tuesday regarding his disappointing start to the 2025 season, during which he is hitting .200 with four home runs and 14 RBIs across 42 games. Chisholm expressed frustration with his lack of production for the team, though he denied that upcoming free agency negotiations are affecting his focus, stating it was "too early for that." He noted feeling locked in at times but frequently lining out. Chisholm praised teammate Anthony Volpe's resilience, specifically commending him for playing through a partially torn left labrum sustained in the Yankees' 33rd game of 2024. Volpe required multiple cortisone injections to finish the season as the starting shortstop for the playoff team, posting a .212 batting average, .963 fielding percentage, and 19 errors—all among the worst marks for regular AL shortstops. Volpe has since undergone offseason labrum surgery and recently returned to the roster after a stint in Triple-A, replacing the injured Jose Caballero.

MLB's Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system, implemented this season, has generally been well-received by fans and players, but some Yankees players are struggling with proper usage. Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been particularly problematic, posting a 1-for-7 record on challenges. Most notably, he challenged a fastball from Bryan Abreu on Friday that was clearly in the lower-middle of the strike zone for a third strike, and again challenged a cutter from Spencer Arrighetti on Sunday that was completely inside the zone. Both challenges were upheld by ABS. Recognizing his poor judgment, Chisholm committed to fining himself $1,000 per bad challenge, doubling the Yankees' existing team policy of $500.

Shortstop José Caballero is also struggling with a 5-10 record on challenges, prompting manager Aaron Boone to have "firm" conversations with him about his decision-making. Boone has indicated that players who continue to misuse challenges may lose the privilege of disputing calls, though no player has yet reached that threshold. Reserve catcher J.C. Escarra, who is 3-for-4 on successful challenges, emphasized the importance of strike zone recognition. Around the league, Teoscar Hernandez of the Dodgers and Nick Kurtz of the Athletics are excelling at ABS challenges, each going 4-for-4. Since teams can only use two challenges per game and lose them upon unsuccessful reviews, poor judgment directly impacts a team's ability to contest calls late in games.

The Yankees defeated the Rangers 7-4 at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, extending their hot streak to 15 wins in 17 games. Jazz Chisholm Jr. delivered the decisive blow with a tiebreaking sixth-inning home run off Jacob deGrom, a 413-foot drive on a 98 mph fastball that he celebrated with a memorable bat flip. The Rangers' Andrew McCutchen made only a token effort to pursue the ball.

Cody Bellinger provided additional offensive firepower with a two-run double in the seventh inning after Texas intentionally walked Aaron Judge to load the bases. Ryan McMahon had tied the game earlier with a two-run homer in the second inning, his third of the season.

Yankees starter Elmer Rodríguez, in his second major league appearance, struggled early, surrendering three runs in the first inning while allowing two walks, a hit batter, and a wild pitch. He recovered to pitch 4⅔ innings total, allowing six hits while walking four and striking out two. The Yankees have now won eight consecutive home games dating to April 17. Left-hander Carlos Rodón is expected to be activated for the next rotation turn, with Rodríguez likely optioned back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.