Full Breakdown
Yankees Bench Jazz Chisholm Jr. for Game 1 of AL Wild-Card Series
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Core Event
For Game 1 of the American League Wild-Card Series against the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone started rookie Anthony Volpe at second base, leaving regular-season starter Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the bench. The move supports a right-handed lineup intended to counter Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle, who will open the series.
Background & Context
Chisholm entered the postseason after a down year relative to his 2025 All-Star campaign. In 137 regular-season games he posted 19 home runs, 55 RBIs and a .231 average, hitting .218 with a .650 OPS against left-handed pitching. Volpe, returning from a thumb injury, hit .245 with two homers and an OPS+ of 84 in 70 games. Boone cited a previous platoon decision against left-hander Garrett Crochet as precedent.
Data & Statistics
| Player | Bats | Games | HR | RBI | AVG | OPS vs LHP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jazz Chisholm Jr. | L | 137 | 19 | 55 | .231 | .650 |
| Anthony Volpe | R | 70 | 2 | 12 | .245 | 0.0 (0-for-2 vs Tolle) |
| Payton Tolle (Red Sox) | L | – | – | – | – | .704 OPS vs LHP |
Official Statements & Responses
- Chisholm said he expected to start and would be “angry” if left off the lineup, underscoring his competitive mindset.
On-the-Ground Reports
During Game 1, Chisholm was seen watching from the dugout and later “pouted at his locker” after the Yankees fell 3-1. In Game 2 he scored from first on a line drive over the first-baseman’s head, showing his impact despite the benching.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether Chisholm will be used as a pinch-hitter in Game 1. Some suggest he could appear if Tolle is removed for a right-handed reliever; others make no mention of a pinch-hit role. No roster move confirming a pinch-hit appearance has been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As a competitor, who wouldn’t be?” — Jazz Chisholm
- “Volpe is very much in play,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
What’s Next
- September 29 – Game 1: Payton Tolle starts for Boston; Cam Schlittler starts for New York.
- Aaron Judge remains sidelined with a calf strain.
- If the series continues, Max Fried is slated for Game 2 and Gerrit Cole is the potential Game 3 starter.
The opening matchup will test the Yankees’ right-handed platoon approach against the Red Sox left-handed pitching.
