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Ya Like Jazz? – Yankees Finish Terrible July With 5 Game Win Streak, Newcomer Jazz Chisolm Jr. Shines

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MLB

In a miraculous turn of events, the New York Yankees are tied at the top of the AL East at the start of August. New York was one of the worst teams in baseball during the month of July, but ended on a high note with a five game win streak; taking two of three from the Boston Red Sox, and sweeping the National League leading Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank. 

A large part of the sweep in Philly came from the bat of new acquired Jazz Chisolm Jr., who came by way of the Miami Marlins. Jazz was 6 for 14 with four homer runs and eight RBI in the three game set. He was the catalyst in a big time comeback and eventual 12 inning victory for New York, where he had his second straight two home run game and drove in five runs in the 7-6 victory. 

The Yankees ended July 11-13 and with a share of the AL East lead. Jazz has clearly provided a spark in the lineup that New York desperately needed. Chisolm Jr. grew up in Nassau, Bahamas as a Yankees fan, listing Kobe Bryant and then Derek Jeter as his “idols” so needless to say, he’s pretty excited to be in a Yankees uniform. 

Side note: the Yankees need to stop giving Alex Rodriguez number to other players. The guy won two MVPs and a World Series with New York, it’s so disrespectful; and there are people who will say “steroids,” to which I would say to them “you don’t know ball, please shut up.”

Unfortunately at this point, even A-Rod knows it probably won’t happen.

Regardless, Jazz came to play. He brings that flair to the every day lineup, with his colorful array of accessories and his smooth lefty swing and glove. He can play SS, 2B, CF, and now 3B, the guy is an athlete. I still have no idea why Aaron Boone isn’t batting him at the top of lineup and is instead choosing to go with Alex Verdugo or Gleyber Torres in that spot, but I’m hoping he figures that out soon.

Speaking of Gleyber Torres, has there ever been a bigger indication that Gleyber is on his way out of New York than his response to possibly getting reps at third base? 

Jazz Chisolm Jr. is under control until 2026, whereas Gleyber Torres is a free agent after this season; it feels safe to say the Yankees just found his replacement. For now, Jazz will be getting a lot of playing time at 3B, which has been a position of need for New York for a long time. With Anthony Rizzo still out (and possibly benched even when healthy) DJ LeMahieu, who drove in six runs in the third game of the sweep of Philly, will be splitting reps at first with rookie Ben Rice. Judge will continue to be in center, with Soto and Verdugo in the corners.

Even though he hasn’t played 3B practically at all, Jazz Chisolm Jr. is an exceptional athlete, and has the experience playing the middle infield. He looked comfortable turning a 5-4-3 double play, made some nice throws on the run while charging a slow chopper, and made a very athletic play down the line to limit a hard hit ball from a would be double to an infield single.

Riding high going into August is a big time momentum shifter for the Yankees. The Orioles have been struggling almost as much, but it’s seemingly gone under the radar. How would things look if New York didn’t struggle in July, I wonder? It’s time for the Bombers to pounce and get some breathing room between them and the O’s.

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