Jazz Chisholm is enjoying playing for the New York Yankees. Starting at third base and batting sixth in the lineup Monday, the Yankees’ rookie hit two home runs in a 14-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Chisholm hit his first home run as a Yankee in the second inning, hitting to the opposite field against Zack Wheeler to give New York a 2-0 lead. He hit again deep in the ninth inning against Garrett Stubbs, Philly’s backup catcher who was giving the bullpen some breathing room while playing with an eight-run deficit.
Stubbs tried to fool Chisholm’s timing with a 65-mph pitch. The five-year veteran didn’t let that fool him, crushing the slow pitch high into the right-field stands. Outfielder Nick Castellanos didn’t even move as he watched the ball sail over him.
Chisholm used a special bat for the home run
After the home run, Chisholm revealed to television cameras that he had used the bat of captain and three-time home run champion Aaron Judge.
He had a big smile on his face as he discussed the home run with reporters in his locker room after the game. He also revealed that he had received Judge’s blessing beforehand.
“I’m definitely not going to use it again tomorrow,” Chisholm said. “That bat was so heavy. I thought, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever hit a position player before tonight.'”
“I said, ‘You know what, Cap? I’m either going to go right-handed or I’m going to use your bat.’ He said, ‘Go ahead, use my bat.’ It worked.”
Chisholm, 26, was acquired from the Miami Marlins on Saturday in exchange for three minor league prospects. He is expected to eventually play center field, which would allow the Yankees to move Judge to a less demanding corner outfield position.
Judge also hit two home runs for the Yankees on Monday. But that kind of explosion is expected from the MLB leader in that category, who now has 39 home runs this season, seven more than Shohei Ohtani.
For now, though, Chisholm will play third base after Gleyber Torres refused to move from second to that position. The Yankees are hoping for better production and defense at the position than Oswaldo Cabrera (.246 batting average, .646 OPS). Before Monday, Chisholm had never played third base in his major league career.
With a 2-for-4 night, Chisholm increased his average to .251 with a .745 OPS, 13 home runs, 50 RBIs and 23 stolen bases this year. In a Yankees uniform, he is hitting .333 with a 1.400 OPS.
