NEW YORK – Jazz Chisholm Jr. is returning to his natural position at second base, where the 27-year-old All-Star is expected to play regularly for the foreseeable future, while DJ LeMahieu will transition to a reserve role.
Chisholm was the Yankees’ Opening Day second baseman, but moved to third base in part to accommodate LeMahieu’s mid-May return from the injured list.
But Chisholm has been dealing with right shoulder soreness for approximately three weeks, which he said has affected him more throwing than hitting. Oswald Peraza started Tuesday at third base, with Chisholm at second base.
“He’s been a little banged up and not able to do some of the prep work that allows him to stay on top of things at third,” Boone said. “I think letting his athleticism go in the middle of the diamond is hopefully something that serves him and us well.”
After returning last month from a five-week absence due to an oblique injury, Chisholm has played exclusively at the hot corner.
At the plate, Chisholm has been sizzling, putting together a .308/.380/.589 slash line with eight home runs in 29 games since returning from the injured list.
Asked to describe himself as a second baseman, Chisholm said: “Elite defender, elite slugging, fast, great defense. I don’t know what else to tell you. Sounds like a complete player to me.”
With Chisholm cemented back at second base, third base is the Yankees’ biggest area of need at the Trade Deadline, and the club is actively seeking upgrades.
They have already reportedly shown interest in the Rockies' Ryan McMahon. Other trade candidates include Eugenio Suárez (D-backs), Ke'Bryan Hayes (Pirates), Nolan Arenado (Cardinals) and Isiah Kiner-Falefa (Pirates).
Peraza is a fine defender but has struggled offensively at the Major League level. LeMahieu has a .674 OPS through 142 plate appearances this season and has shown limited range in the field, which was evident during the Yankees’ recent Subway Series against the Mets.
Boone said he has “no plans” to play LeMahieu at third base, saying it is “physically a challenge for him” at the moment.
“He’s a bat off the bench or some kind of role off the bench. We’ll see how the days unfold,” Boone said.
LeMahieu, who turns 37 on Sunday, is earning $15 million this season and next. He signed a six-year, $90 million contract with the Yankees after the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Asked how LeMahieu took the news, Boone said: “Not great, necessarily, but that’s kind of the situation we’re in right now.”
Senior Reporter Bryan Hoch has covered the Yankees for MLB.com since 2007.