The New York Yankees have been navigating the 2025 season with strong momentum, but their progress has been tempered by injuries, most notably to their dynamic infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. Chisholm, known for his electrifying defense and athleticism, has been sidelined due to a right oblique strain sustained on April 29 during a game against the Baltimore Orioles. Initially expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks, his rehab is progressing well, raising hopes for an earlier return to the lineup.
Before his injury, Chisholm struggled offensively, batting just .181 with a .304 on-base percentage and a .410 slugging percentage over 105 at-bats. Despite this, he demonstrated power by hitting seven home runs and showed promise with a strong barrel rate of 14.9%. However, his high strikeout rate of 31.2% highlighted ongoing issues with contact consistency, which the Yankees hope he can improve upon once fully healthy.
The Yankees are exercising caution with Chisholm’s rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of allowing him to return only when he is fully ready. The team is keen to avoid rushing him back, as setbacks could jeopardize his availability for the critical stretch run. His defensive prowess and base-running speed are valuable assets that the team wants to preserve, especially as they aim to maintain their strong position in the division.
Chisholm’s recovery process has advanced to the point where he has resumed hitting off a tee and is preparing to face live pitching in the near future. There is optimism that he might avoid a minor league rehab assignment, which could speed up his return to the major league roster. The Yankees are targeting a potential comeback in early June, contingent on his continued progress and health.
In the meantime, the Yankees have found some stability with infielder Jorbit Vivas, who has stepped up admirably during Chisholm’s absence. Vivas has contributed both offensively and defensively, even hitting his first major league home run recently, which has helped the team stay competitive while waiting for their star infielder’s return.
Looking ahead, the Yankees are confident that a fully healthy Jazz Chisholm will provide a significant boost to the team’s infield and overall lineup. If Chisholm can improve his offensive consistency while maintaining his elite defense and athleticism, the Yankees could become one of the most complete and dynamic teams in baseball heading into the postseason.
