The New York Yankees received encouraging news on Jazz Chisholm Jr. ahead of Friday's series opener against the Chicago Cubs after the infielder exited Thursday's loss to the Chicago White Sox with heat cramps.
Manager Aaron Boone told reporters Chisholm is "fully active and available" off the bench, adding that the decision to keep him out of the starting lineup was influenced by Chicago sending left-hander Shota Imanaga to the mound.
Chisholm left Thursday's 11-inning defeat after battling through the extreme heat, but the Yankees do not expect the issue to linger. Instead of pushing him back into the lineup immediately, Boone opted for a cautious approach with the club entering an important stretch before the trade deadline.
The Yankees will lean on other bats against Imanaga while keeping Chisholm ready if needed later in the game. The versatile infielder has remained one of New York's biggest offensive catalysts this season, hitting .224 with 16 home runs, 45 RBIs and a team-leading 30 stolen bases.
New York enters Friday at 61-48, second in the American League East and holding the top AL Wild Card spot. Every game remains significant as the club tries to keep pace with the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays while fending off challengers behind them.
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The lineup adjustment also creates additional opportunities for Amed Rosario, while Ben Rice continues to anchor the middle of the order. Rice has been the Yankees' top run producer this season with a .269 batting average, 31 home runs and 73 RBIs.
Although Chisholm's absence from the starting lineup drew attention, Boone's comments suggest the Yankees avoided a more serious injury. If his recovery continues as expected, the dynamic infielder could return to the lineup as soon as this weekend against the Cubs.
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