In Saturday’s narrow 10-7 defeat to Boston, it became evident how crucial Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s presence is for the Yankees — even when he’s operating at just 70 percent. This proved particularly true with Anthony Volpe sitting out due to a bruised elbow sustained the previous evening.
Chisholm attracted attention after Friday’s victory by explaining his recent improvements across all areas of his game, attributing them to playing at “70 percent.” This approach, in part, was suggested by assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler, who emphasized the importance of maintaining composure. As a result, Chisholm had a planned rest from the starting lineup against Boston’s left-hander Garrett Crochet.
During the game’s initial six innings, Chisholm remained on the bench, coming in as a pinch hitter against right-hander Greg Weissert in the seventh, and again against Aroldis Chapman in the ninth, both times striking out. His absence from the lineup was notably felt.
Little-used Pablo Reyes was forced to play third base, as Oswald Peraza filled in at shortstop for Volpe.
Naturally, Reyes was a factor in the game, and largely not in a positive way.
As Ryan Yarbrough struggled in the top of the third, the inexperienced left-side duo could not convert on a ground ball into the hole with runners on first and second.
Both tried for the grounder, which was fielded by Peraza, who then swung to Reyes, who was too far off third base for the force out.
Manager Aaron Boone did not take issue with the play — eerily similar to one Volpe and Chisholm could not make in Game 5 of the World Series — because of its difficulty level and because Reyes believed he could field it when he gave chase.
Two batters later, Trevor Story blasted a 106 mph shot to third that Reyes got a glove on but was unable to stop.
The ball went into the left field corner and ended up a three-run double that gave Boston a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
“Tough play,” Boone said before pointing out Reyes’ lack of reps at third.
As for Chisholm, he said Friday that Roessler told him “at 70 [percent], I’m one of the best out there. At 100 percent, I might be dog crap. As you can tell, I was hitting .171 at 100 [percent].”
While those honest comments about trying to get the most out of his ability could have sounded as if he were being lackadaisical, Boone made it clear he understood what the infielder was talking about.
“I think we all know exactly what he meant,” Boone said before the game. “And I think he’s right. I think a lot of times less is more for guys, especially when you get in the batters’ box.”
Luis Gil was set to throw another touch-and-feel (not full effort) bullpen session and has “probably still got a handful” more sessions before he would graduate to facing hitters, Boone said.
Gil, recovering from a lat strain, is not close to a debut.
Marcus Stroman (knee inflammation) also was expected to throw a side session, but Boone said he was not sure his next step or when he would begin a rehab assignment.
Giancarlo Stanton is set to return from Tampa either Sunday or Monday, Boone said.
If all goes well for the DH recovering from tennis elbows, he would start a rehab assignment early next week.
Trent Grisham sat against Crochet, with Cody Bellinger shifting to center field, Jasson Domínguez playing left field while getting a somewhat rare start against a lefty starter and Ben Rice starting at DH.
Grisham, who actually was stronger against lefties than righties last season, entered play far more effective against righties (.931 OPS) than lefties (.631 OPS).
