The New York Yankees got some good injury news on the health status of star infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. ahead of Game 162.
The Yankees are set to host the Baltimore Orioles in the final game of the season with a chance to win the AL East and get a first-round bye. New York needs to win Game 162, while the Yankees need the Toronto Blue Jays to lose in order to win the division.
Heading into the final game of the year, the health status of Chisholm Jr. was up in the air. He got hit on his left forearm by a 97 mph sinker from Grant Wolfram, and he exited the game.
Following the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone gave some good news on Chisholm Jr. and his health. X-rays and CT scans on Chisholm Jr. came back negative, as well.
“The early sign is good,” Boone said. “It looks like it got him in the meat of the forearm. He’s going to get some more tests just to be sure, but we’re hopeful.”
However, Chisholm Jr. was unavailable for comment after the game as he was undergoing tests. But the hope is that he will be in the lineup for a pivotal Game 162 as the Yankees look to win the division.
Should Chisholm Jr. not be able to play in the final game of the year, Jose Caballero will likely start at second base.
Aaron Judge Praises Chisholm Jr.
When Chisholm Jr. left the game after being hit by a pitch, it left some Yankees fans worried for his playoff status.
However, all signs point to Chisholm Jr. being healthy and could even play on Sunday. That’s positive news for the Yankees, as captain Aaron Judge believes the infielder is a key part of the team’s success.
“Especially this time of year, going into the postseason, he’s going to be a big part of what we do in October,” Judge said. “You never like seeing him go down in that pain. You wonder what’s going to happen. Especially being hit in the forearm, hand area. You never know what’s going to happen. I’m praying that it’s going to be all right.”
Chisholm Jr. is hitting .243 with 31 home runs and 80 RBIs this season with the Yankees.
Yankees Excited for Final Game of Season
New York has already clinched a playoff spot, but the Yankees are now looking to win the division.
The Yankees will need some help to win the division, but Judge is excited that the team has something to play for.
“It’s exciting,” Judge said. “I wish we had a nice little cushion, a nice little lead in the division, but we’ll take it either way… We’ve got one more game, so we’ll see what happens. A lot of hard work. We’ve got a great team, a great opportunity, so I never want to spoil those moments. I just try to do everything I can in my power to get better.”
If New York loses or Toronto wins, the Yankees will be hosting a Wild Card series on Sept. 30.