CHICAGO – Jazz was replaced by the sound of a mournful trombone in the Yankees universe on Tuesday.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. will likely go on the injured list due to a UCL injury in his left (non-throwing) elbow, manager Aaron Boone said before Tuesday’s game against the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The Yankees were still waiting for doctors’ feedback on the severity of the injury sustained Monday night when Chisholm fell headfirst onto home base and was hit in the outstretched left elbow.
When asked if surgery was an option or if it could cost him the rest of the season, Boone said he hoped not, but didn’t know yet.
“We’ll probably have a better idea after all the doctors have spoken out in the next 24 hours,” Boone said.
Regardless of how long Chisholm might be out, it is a blow to the Yankees after he immediately made waves after being signed by the Marlins just days before the trade deadline.
He had moved seamlessly to third base for the first time in his career and, in addition to his athletic strength on the bases, he also had hitting power – seven home runs in 14 games.
“He’s obviously been a big help to us and hopefully this is just a short period of time and we can get him back up and running,” Boone said. “It’s obviously tough not having him around considering what he’s already meant to our team. So we’re doing our best to support him and help him get back on his feet and hopefully get him back on the field.”
The Yankees did not place Chisholm on the injured list before Tuesday’s game, although that may be more due to their uncertain pitching plans for Wednesday — if they need Will Warren for a spot start, he would have to replace an injured player since he has been out of the minors for 15 days since he was last optioned.
Meanwhile, the Yankees started all-rounder Oswaldo Cabrera at third base on Tuesday and are expected to pair him with DJ LeMahieu and any other player from Triple-A they can muster – possibly Oswald Peraza, who has been hitting well lately.
Another candidate for the third base position, Jon Berti, is still recovering from a calf strain but could be ready to begin rehab next week.
And Anthony Rizzo (broken arm) could also play a role at first base at some point, giving LeMahieu more opportunities to play third base. He’s not exactly close to entering any rehab, though, after a scan this week showed some healing in his arm, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.
The Yankees could also lay claim to all-rounder Amed Rosario, whom they were interested in during the offseason and at the trade deadline before he was traded to the Dodgers, who only designated him for transfer on Monday.
However the Yankees try to replace Chisholm, they won’t be able to replace the boost of energy he has given the team since his arrival.
Boone said the 26-year-old – who has two more years under the team’s command after this season – woke up Tuesday morning thinking he could be on the roster that evening before an MRI scan of his elbow derailed those plans.
“I think he’s disappointed because he wanted to be here today,” Boone said. “But let’s see what we have. Hopefully it’s not something that takes too long.”
The Yankees hope it doesn’t turn out like Gleyber Torres, who had to undergo Tommy John surgery as a minor league player in 2017 after injuring his left (non-throwing) elbow during a game at the plate that resulted in a torn ACL.
