Yankees Bench Jazz Chisholm Jr. for Game 1 of Wild Card Series

For the second consecutive year, Jazz Chisholm Jr. found himself on the bench for the Yankees' opening game of the American League wild card series. Manager Aaron Boone elected to start the right-handed hitting Anthony Volpe at second base against the Red Sox's left-handed pitcher Payton Tolle in Game 1. Volpe contributed to the Yankees' 9-0 victory with a hit and a sacrifice bunt.

Boone described the decision as difficult, one he had deliberated over for several days. He acknowledged that players may be displeased at times when not in the starting lineup. "I essentially just texted him, like, 'Hey, you might be the most important person in the building tonight. We need you to be ready to go for the biggest spot, potentially,' " Boone said. He added that Chisholm is expected to play a significant role if the Yankees advance deep into the playoffs.

Last season, Chisholm expressed his dissatisfaction with a similar situation in Game 1 against a left-handed pitcher. This year, Boone noted the circumstances were different, referencing Chisholm's recent return from a thumb sprain and Volpe's performance during his absence. Chisholm is anticipated to be in the lineup for Game 2 against Red Sox right-hander Sonny Gray.

The current season has been challenging for Chisholm, a pending free agent, marked by underperformance for much of the year before a recent hot streak ended with his thumb injury. In the Game 1 lineup, Amed Rosario started at third base and was replaced by Ryan McMahon in the fifth inning. Rosario's regular season numbers against lefties were .208 with a .606 OPS.

Boone also addressed the bench strategy, noting that utility player José Caballero, a strong pinch-running option, was kept on the roster. The bullpen included left-hander Ryan Yarbrough for his ability to provide length, while left-handed specialist Tim Hill might rejoin the roster if the Yankees advance. Pitcher Ryan Weathers, recovering from a forearm strain, was also left off the initial roster but could play a significant role later in the postseason.

Trent Grisham, who had been sidelined with a hamstring strain, made the roster and played the final two innings in center field. Boone did not confirm whether Grisham would start in center field for Game 2 against Gray.