Jazz Chisholm says he expects to be in the Yankees' Game 1 lineup against left-hander Payton Tolle despite not yet speaking with manager Aaron Boone about it

Chisholm expects Game 1 start

by Miracle Dimwesh

Sep 29, 2026

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13)

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Jazz Chisholm Jr. expects to be in the New York Yankees’ lineup for Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox.

Chisholm has not yet spoken with Yankees manager Aaron Boone about the lineup, but he expects to play when New York faces Boston left-hander Payton Tolle at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees are considering a second-base platoon for the opener, which could give right-handed infielder Anthony Volpe an opportunity to start against Tolle.

Chisholm’s recent availability is also part of the decision. The second baseman went on the 10-day injured list Sept. 9 with a right thumb sprain before returning Sept. 22.

Rainouts during the final weekend of the regular season limited Chisholm to 12 plate appearances after his return. That leaves him with limited recent game action heading into the postseason.

Chisholm has faced Tolle five times in his career and has one hit against the rookie left-hander. That hit was a solo home run.

Tolle will make his first postseason start after finishing the regular season 9-6 with a 3.03 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 171 strikeouts over 148 2/3 innings. Boston selected him to start Game 1 after finishing the season 87-75.

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13)

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The Yankees finished 93-68 and earned home-field advantage for the Wild Card Series as the AL’s No. 4 seed. New York and Boston will meet in a best-of-three series, with Game 1 providing Boone his first lineup decision of the postseason.

Whether Chisholm starts or Volpe gets the nod against Tolle remains to be determined. For now, Chisholm expects to be part of the Yankees’ opening lineup as New York begins its postseason run.