Jazz Chisholm is thriving as a member of the New York Yankees. Taking on the role of third baseman and batting sixth in the lineup on Monday, the Yankees’ recent acquisition displayed his power by hitting two home runs in a dominant 14-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Chisholm’s first home run as a Yankee came in the second inning, as he sent a ball sailing to the opposite field off Zack Wheeler, giving New York a 2-0 lead. He then hit his second homer in the ninth inning against Garrett Stubbs, a backup catcher for the Phillies who was getting some playing time in a lopsided game.
Stubbs tried to throw off Chisholm’s rhythm with a slow 65 mph eephus pitch. However, the seasoned veteran was not fooled and crushed the high-arching pitch deep into the right-field stands. Outfielder Nick Castellanos could only watch as the ball soared over him without making a move.
Chisholm’s Home Run with a Special Bat
Following his impressive home run, Chisholm revealed to television cameras that he had used the bat of Yankees’ captain and three-time home run champion, Aaron Judge.
With a wide smile on his face, Chisholm discussed his home run with reporters at his locker after the game. He also mentioned that he had received Judge’s approval beforehand.
“I definitely won’t be using that bat again tomorrow,” Chisholm joked. “That bat was so heavy. I felt like I had never gotten a hit off a position player until tonight.”
“I thought to myself, ‘Either I go up there right-handed, or I use your bat, Cap.’ He said, ‘Go ahead, use my bat.’ And it worked like a charm,” Chisholm added.
Chisholm, 26, was traded from the Miami Marlins to the Yankees over the weekend in exchange for three minor-league prospects. It is anticipated that he will eventually transition to center field, allowing Judge to move to a less taxing corner outfield position.
On Monday, Judge also hit two home runs for the Yankees. However, such a performance is par for the course for the MLB home run leader, who now boasts 39 homers for the season, seven more than Shohei Ohtani.
For the time being, Chisholm will hold down the third base position after Gleyber Torres declined to make the move from second base. The Yankees are seeking improved production and defense at the hot corner, which Oswaldo Cabrera has not been able to provide with his .246 average and .646 OPS. Prior to Monday, Chisholm had never played third base in his major-league career.
With a 2-for-4 performance on Monday, Chisholm raised his batting average to .251 with a .745 OPS, along with 13 home runs, 50 RBI, and 23 stolen bases this season. In his short time wearing a Yankees uniform, he is hitting .333 with a remarkable 1.400 OPS.