The New York Yankees dropped their home opener series finale 7-6 to the Miami Marlins on Sunday after a bullpen collapse spoiled a chance at a sweep. Ben Rice hit his third home run in four games. Max Fried had his toughest outing of the young season. Jake Bird surrendered the go-ahead runs in the eighth.
And in the middle of it all, Jazz Chisholm Jr. had something to say.
After a conversation with manager Aaron Boone following Saturday’s mental mistake at second base, Chisholm was asked about it Sunday. His response was vintage Chisholm.
What Chisholm Said After Boone Chat
GettyJazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees.
Saturday’s mistake was a simple one in theory. Chisholm laid back on a routine grounder at second base, allowing Otto Lopez to reach on an infield hit. Lopez eventually scored, briefly threatening what became a Yankees victory. Boone addressed it with Chisholm after the game.
On Sunday, Chisholm owned the mistake without losing any of his trademark confidence.
“We all know how I play baseball,” Chisholm said. “The guy caught me with my head down. He did a good play. I do it to other teams all the time. Someone caught me. It’s no big deal to me. If I was him, I would do it, too.”
Boone’s assessment was straightforward. He noted Chisholm needed to be more aware of the runner getting down the line, calling it a play the Yankees have to make. The conversation was brief. The message was clear.
Chisholm backed it up on Sunday, ripping a two-run double in the ninth inning to make things interesting in a 7-6 deficit. It was not enough to change the outcome but it was the kind of response that matters.
A Rough Stretch at the Plate
The double was a welcome moment for Chisholm, who had been mired in a 4-for-31 slump entering Sunday’s game. The two-run knock moved him to 7-for-36 on the season. It is early, and one hot stretch can change those numbers quickly.
José Caballero has also had a tough start, making another error at shortstop on Sunday and yet to find his rhythm at the plate. It has been a slow beginning for both middle infielders, though there is plenty of season left to turn it around.
What It Means for the Yankees
GettyYankees manager Aaron Boone.
The loss snapped what had been a promising homestand. The Yankees still sit with the best record in the American League, and the issues surfacing now are the kind that tend to iron themselves out over a 162-game season.
The pitching cavalry is also on its way. Gerrit Cole is scheduled to throw a simulated game Monday as he works back from Tommy John surgery. Carlos Rodón reported some expected soreness after a side session Saturday but continues to make progress in his return from offseason elbow surgery.
When both arms return, the Yankees’ rotation depth becomes one of the deepest in baseball. Right now, the focus is on cleaning up the small mistakes before they become bigger problems.
Final Word for the Yankees
Chisholm’s quote captures his personality perfectly. He owns the mistake, explains it, and moves on without losing an ounce of confidence. That mentality is what makes him who he is.
The Yankees dropped the series finale. The bigger picture still looks strong.
Chisholm will be fine. The Yankees will be fine.
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