Jazz Chisholm Jr. "in the lineup behind Aaron Judge" could be 'X-factor' for Yankees' in playoffs, says MLB insider
On Thursday, MLB insiders Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker, along with sportscaster Jeff Nelson, talked about Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s impact since signing for the New York Yankees. They discussed how he may prove to be an important player for them in the playoffs. Chisholm Jr. joined the Yankees from the Miami Marlins ahead of the trade deadline in July.
Postseason baseball is something that Nelson knows well, as the former Yankees pitcher spent 15 years in the major leagues himself, winning the World Series four times. For his career, he has a 3.91 ERA, with 829 strikeouts and a 48-45 win/loss record.
On Sept. 27's episode of "Blair and Barker," Nelson talked about Chisholm Jr.'s importance for the Yankees.
"When he's healthy, he's an electric player. He can do it with his legs, defensively he's average, he's holding his own there. Offensively, he's got tons of power. I think it's really lengthened the lineup, and if he is on base, he's very dangerous. He's not afraid to steal bags, he's a smart base stealer, he knows what to look for in the pitchers and is usually succesful." Nelson said [ 1:01:40]
"I think he's been a big addition, and once the playoff comes, they're gonna have to find someone in the lineup behind Aaron Judge to be able to come through, and maybe it's him," he added [1:02:08]
Jazz Chisholm Jr. bats in two as Pirates get the better of Yankees
After clinching the AL East title with a resounding win over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, the New York Yankees were beaten 4-2 by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the series opener at Yankee Stadium the following day. Despite taking a two-run lead in the bottom of the fifth, two run rallies from the visitors in the top of the sixth and eighth innings handed the home team its 67th loss of the season.
With the division done and dusted, captain Aaron Judge was offered a day off, and Chisholm Jr. stepped into the No. 3 role in his absence. He came up big for the Bronx Bombers, batting in the Yankees' only runs on the day as he came to the plate with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. Since making the move to New York, Chisholm Jr. is batting .267, with 10 home runs and 21 RBIs.
Next, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Co. take on the Pirates once again on Saturday, aiming to level the series with a win.