Jazz Chisholm Jr. Declines to Discuss Benching After Yankees' ALDS Exit
The outfielder's curt response followed the Yankees' Game 3 loss to the Rays, which completed their series sweep.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. offered a terse "No comment, next" when questioned by reporters about being benched for the decisive Game 3 of the American League Division Series. The New York Yankees ultimately lost the game 4-3, completing a sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays and ending their season. Chisholm, who is set to become a free agent, was replaced in the starting lineup by Anthony Volpe at second base.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated that the decision to start Volpe was simply based on his feeling for the day. Chisholm entered the game as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning and was met with boos from the home crowd after popping out in his first at-bat. He later beat out a ground ball in the ninth inning for what would have been a game-ending double play.
During the broadcast, announcer Brian Anderson noted Chisholm's reaction to being left out of the starting lineup, saying, "I tell you one thing Jazz doesn't like: not being in the starting lineup. He was upset."
Chisholm expressed confusion about the fan reaction, stating, "It’s just confusing because it’s the playoffs and we’re trying to win games. So you’re booing a guy that’s playing, trying to help the team win."
Chisholm's performance in the ALDS was notably poor, going 0-for-8 with one walk over the three games. This comes after a Game 2 where he was involved in a play that allowed a run to score due to an error on a throw and a mental lapse in judgment on a ground ball.
Reflecting on his time with the Yankees, Chisholm, who grew up a fan of the team and idolized Derek Jeter, expressed a desire to return. "I loved my time as a Yankee. I had great times as a Yankee – had an All-Star year, had a Silver Slugger year. Who doesn’t want to stay with the team you have such great times with? I do hope to be back."
The Yankees now face another offseason with questions about their roster and management, as fans anticipate potential changes. Chisholm's impending free agency adds another layer of uncertainty for the team.