Jazz Chisholm Jr. exited Tuesday's game against the Colorado Rockies in the top of the ninth inning after jamming his right thumb while diving into second base in the bottom of the eighth. He initially remained in the game but was later replaced by José Caballero after making an errant throw to first base.
The injury occurred when Chisholm was attempting to stretch a hit into a double. He was initially called out at second base, a decision upheld on review. Manager Aaron Boone stated that Chisholm was "a little numb" and that imaging may be performed Wednesday, depending on how he feels.
Chisholm is in his final year before free agency and has experienced a difficult season, though he has shown improvement in recent weeks.
Pitching Updates
In other team news, pitchers Ryan Weathers and Francisco Cruz are progressing toward a return. Weathers, who has been sidelined with a left forearm flexor strain, has resumed throwing and could be ready to join the bullpen soon. He has stretched out to 75 feet and is expected to advance to throwing off a mound after three consecutive days of flat-ground work.
Weathers, who has prior bullpen experience, expressed willingness to contribute as a reliever if needed for the team's postseason push. "I’ve come out of the bullpen before, so if that’s where I’m needed, then yeah, I’m all for it," he said.
Francisco Cruz, previously thought to be out for the season and potentially next year with a partially torn UCL, is also nearing a potential return. After consulting with Dr. Keith Meister and receiving a cortisone shot, Cruz has been cleared to begin throwing. He indicated he will only pitch again this year if he can be 100 percent and help the team achieve its goals. It remains possible that his arm may not respond well, leading to surgery, or that he could pitch effectively with the injury, similar to how Masahiro Tanaka pitched in the past.
The Yankees secured their 34th consecutive winning record with Tuesday's victory. Boone acknowledged the achievement but emphasized the team's larger objectives. "It’s not as easy as sometimes people think. In ’23, it was a fight to get to that point. It’s certainly not what we’re out for, but it’s a good look at what this organization has been now for decades. We’re happy we got there again, but we’ve got bigger things we’re chasing,'' Boone said.