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Freak Jazz Chisholm Jr. injury casts dark cloud over Yankees’ playoff chase

The last thing the Yankees needed.
ByJordan Campbell|
Chicago White Sox v New York Yankees
Chicago White Sox v New York Yankees | New York Yankees/GettyImages

Entering play against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, the New York Yankees were tied with the Toronto Blue Jays at the top of the American League. While both teams have already secured their spot in the postseason, securing the top seed in the American League would provide the Yankees with a bye in the first round. That would be the reason why the Yankees weren't exactly taking their foot off the gas pedal this weekend, and they may now be paying the price.

In the middle of Saturday's game, Yankees' All-Star second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. was hit on the left forearm by a pitch and immediately went to the dugout. Chisholm was replaced by pinch-runner Jose Caballero.

Jazz Chisholm injury nightmare leaves Yankees staring at playoff disaster, although X-rays, CT scans were negative (for now)

If the Yankees emerge from Saturday with Chisholm only dealing with some soreness, that would be the best-case scenario. In a scenario where Chisholm is potentially dealing with a broken bone, that would all but rule him out for the Yankees' playoff run. Even if it's just soreness, this would be an added reason for the Yankees to aim for the top spot in the American League and ensure they don't have to play in the American League Wild Card round.

While all the praise and focus this season has been on Aaron Judge and his incredible MVP race with Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh, Chisholm has been the unsung hero on the Yankees' roster. Chisholm entered the day with 31 home runs and 127 wRC+. So far, the only word regarding Chisholm's injury is that the first round of X-rays were negative and he is going to get a CT scan.

If Chisholm is forced to miss the start of the Yankees' playoff run. Amed Rosario almost certainly would be the next man up at second base. Since being added at the deadline, Rosario has a 117wRC+ in 33 plate appearances while hitting over .300.

Considering the Yankees are in a position where they need to live and die with their offense, specifically their power, any injury that forces Chisholm to miss any amount of time in the playoffs could be a critical blow in October.

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