Jazz Chisholm Returns to Second Base for Yankees \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Jazz Chisholm Jr. is moving back to second base for the Yankees, replacing DJ LeMahieu in the lineup. Chisholm, previously at third base, has been affected by shoulder issues and defensive struggles. Meanwhile, the Yankees placed reliever Mark Leiter Jr. on the IL and will debut Cam Schlittler Wednesday.
Quick Looks
- Chisholm returns to second base, replacing DJ LeMahieu.
- Shoulder soreness affected Chisholm’s recent throws at third.
- Oswald Peraza starts at third base vs. Seattle.
- Mark Leiter Jr. placed on 15-day injured list.
- Leiter dealing with a stress fracture in left leg.
- Clayton Beeter recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
- Cam Schlittler to make MLB debut Wednesday night.
Deep Look
The New York Yankees are making decisive infield and pitching changes as they attempt to stabilize both their defense and rotation heading into the second half of the season. Chief among those moves: Jazz Chisholm Jr., the dynamic infielder acquired earlier this year, is being shifted back to second base, a position where he’s thrived in the past. The move pushes DJ LeMahieu, a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner, to the bench—at least temporarily—as the team prioritizes agility, consistency, and health on the diamond.
Chisholm, known for his electrifying play and swagger, had been playing third base recently, but a combination of defensive miscues and lingering shoulder soreness has prompted a positional realignment. While Chisholm embraced the move to third base earlier this season in an effort to fit the Yankees’ evolving roster, he has not looked comfortable there. Multiple off-target throws and reduced range have raised concerns, particularly as the Yankees find themselves in a fierce AL East playoff race where every run allowed matters.
By moving Chisholm back to second—his natural position and the one that earned him an All-Star nod with the Marlins—the Yankees hope to unlock his full potential once again, both defensively and offensively. At second base, Chisholm has shown above-average instincts, lateral movement, and flair, attributes that have been somewhat diminished by his move across the diamond.
The Yankees are also reintroducing Oswald Peraza into the everyday mix, handing him the start at third base Tuesday night against the Seattle Mariners. Peraza, long viewed as one of the organization’s top prospects, brings a strong glove, quick first step, and the promise of more offensive development. His insertion into the hot corner is an opportunity for him to prove his long-term value, particularly as questions around LeMahieu’s declining performance and health persist.
DJ LeMahieu, once a cornerstone of the Yankees’ infield and a key contributor during multiple playoff runs, has struggled at the plate and in the field this season. His batting average has dipped, and his usual defensive steadiness has shown signs of wear. While the Yankees have not said the benching is permanent, it does signal a potential changing of the guard in the infield rotation.
Injury updates further complicate the roster outlook. Reliever Mark Leiter Jr. has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a stress fracture in his left leg, retroactive to Monday. Leiter has been a solid contributor out of the bullpen, posting respectable numbers in high-leverage innings. His absence will be felt, especially as the team enters a stretch of high-impact games against division rivals and playoff contenders.
To plug the gap in the bullpen, the Yankees have recalled right-hander Clayton Beeter from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Beeter, a former Dodgers prospect acquired in the Joey Gallo trade, has impressed at the minor league level with a mix of power pitching and developing command. He will likely be used in middle-inning or long-relief situations, depending on game flow and bullpen workload.
The most intriguing move, however, may be the upcoming major league debut of Cam Schlittler, a right-handed pitcher who will start Wednesday night. Schlittler, a 6’6” prospect drafted in 2022, has moved rapidly through the Yankees’ system, known for his heavy sinker, emerging curveball, and high baseball IQ. His promotion is both a product of need—given recent rotation injuries—and recognition of his development. The Yankees are hopeful he can provide stability in the short term and potentially compete for a long-term spot in the rotation.
These moves underscore how the Yankees are actively recalibrating in multiple areas. Defensively, they’re reverting players to more familiar positions to cut down on costly mistakes. On the pitching front, they’re adjusting to injuries and fatigue by dipping into a deeper pool of prospects earlier than planned.
Strategically, these decisions also reflect the Yankees’ desire to infuse youth and energy into a roster that has, at times, looked sluggish. Chisholm’s return to second base isn’t just about fixing errors—it’s about re-establishing confidence and unleashing the flair that made him one of baseball’s most watchable infielders. For a team still looking to find consistency, that injection of life could prove critical.
Off the field, questions remain. Will LeMahieu accept a reduced role? Can Peraza seize the third base opportunity and solidify himself as a starter? Will Schlittler’s debut be the start of a long MLB career—or a temporary stopgap? And how will the bullpen adjust without Leiter’s reliability?
The answers will begin to unfold this week as the Yankees battle the Mariners in a key series, with a fresh infield look and a highly anticipated pitching debut on the horizon. What’s clear is that the Yankees aren’t waiting to react—they’re taking control of the narrative, betting on versatility, health, and internal talent to guide them through a pivotal midseason stretch.
Jazz Chisholm Returns Jazz Chisholm Returns
You must Register or Login to post a comment.