The New York Yankees are getting Jazz Chisholm Jr. back on Tuesday after his thumb sprain, and it’s a return that immediately creates a tough roster puzzle. He’s expected to be activated between games of their doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays. While getting a talent like Chisholm back sounds great, it throws a major wrench into things for Anthony Volpe, whose second base spot is now squarely in jeopardy, despite him absolutely raking since his Triple-A call-up.
A Timely, But Complicated, Return
Chisholm Jr. has been sidelined since September 8, so getting him back for this crucial Rays series is a big moment. The Yankees are staring down a *very slim* chance to win the American League East, and just one loss against the Rays will officially end those hopes. Bringing Chisholm back definitely helps, even if his overall season slash line of .232/.312/.403 with 19 home runs isn’t exactly MVP-caliber. The thing is, before he got hurt, Chisholm was on an absolute tear. From August 4 right up until his injury, he was hitting .295/.388/.443, blasting three home runs, knocking two doubles and a triple, swiping 10 bases, and driving in 10 runs. During that hot stretch, he was second on the team in walk rate, fourth in strikeout rate, second in batting average, third in OPS, and led the entire squad in hard-hit rate. That’s the kind of production you absolutely want in your lineup for a do-or-die series.
The Volpe Dilemma Is Real
Now, here’s where things get tricky for manager Aaron Boone. With Chisholm Jr. coming back, the Yankees have some serious decisions to make. Who gets optioned? And, perhaps even more importantly, where does Chisholm play? The plan is for him to play every day if he’s healthy, but that creates a direct problem for Anthony Volpe. Volpe has been a rock-solid hitter since he came back from Triple-A, and the Yankees definitely need to find a way to keep that bat in the lineup right now. His spot at second base, which he’s owned, is suddenly in major danger. Could the Yankees shift Chisholm back to third base? That’s the big question right now, a move that would keep both Chisholm and Volpe’s hot bats in the lineup together. It’s a tough call when both guys are contributing.
It’s going to be a wild Tuesday doubleheader against the Rays, with the AL East on the line. Every single pitch matters. Will Chisholm’s return be the spark they need, or will the roster crunch create more headaches? How Boone handles the Volpe situation is going to be fascinating to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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