New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. exited the April 29 game against the Baltimore Orioles after hitting a double in the first inning. Initially, the issue seemed minor. Chisholm told reporters he felt “fine,” and the Yankees described the problem as “right flank discomfort.” It was later clarified that the injury involved his oblique muscle, which he strained on the swing before his double in the Yankees’ 15-3 victory. Despite this, Chisholm, acquired from the Miami Marlins at last year’s trade deadline, believed it was a minor issue and expected to return soon.
However, the situation has worsened. Last Friday, the Yankees placed the 27-year-old on the 10-day injured list. Chisholm, playing under a one-year, $5.85 million contract and eligible for arbitration next season, is now facing a longer recovery. A report from the Yankees blog Pinstripes Nation indicated the injury is more serious than first believed, with a projected recovery time of at least four to six weeks—possibly longer. “It may be longer as his injury is more severe,” wrote Esteban Quiñones.
Further insight was provided by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Elise C. Bixby on the New York Post podcast The Injury Report. She explained that Chisholm has three separate tears in his oblique, a rare and complex version of the injury. “Most players have one localized tear. Jazz has three, putting him at the more severe end of the spectrum,” Bixby said. She emphasized that attempting to play through it could worsen the damage and negatively impact performance. Fortunately, surgery won’t be necessary.
The Yankees now face a roster challenge. Already hit by several spring training injuries and the offseason departure of longtime second baseman Gleyber Torres, the team failed to secure infield depth. Currently, there appears to be no clear plan to cover Chisholm’s absence. “This is what happens when the Yankees front office manages like it’s a beer league softball team,” wrote Robert Casey of Bleeding Yankee Blue, criticizing the team’s lack of foresight and reliance on manager Aaron Boone’s uncertain approach.
Still, there may be some relief on the horizon. Key players are expected to return in the coming weeks. Third baseman D.J. LeMahieu could be activated as early as this weekend, pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga is targeting a late-May return from elbow surgery, and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton—previously feared to be out for the season—may be back within the next month.
