In a game marked by offensive struggles, the Yankees also faced several defensive missteps.
After Jazz Chisholm Jr. returned from a strain earlier this month, the team found itself at a crossroads regarding their infield. Rather than moving him to second base and shifting DJ LeMahieu to third, they opted to keep Chisholm at shortstop for speed.
However, during the Yankees’ 4-0 loss to the Angels on Tuesday night, two significant mistakes highlighted the team’s difficulties.
This decision might be questionable, especially now that the lineup has been underperforming.
It leads to speculation about whether the Yankees are actively seeking solutions as the trade deadline approaches.
In the second inning, Angels’ Luis Rengifo hit a ground ball that slipped past LeMahieu’s glove, sending it into right field. This error allowed the Angels to take an early 1-0 lead.
Afterward, with the bases loaded, Chisholm failed to field a grounder, resulting in a two-run single from Taylor Ward, extending the Angels’ lead to three runs.
Despite these setbacks, Will Warren managed to retire 11 consecutive batters afterward, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone seemed untroubled by the defensive errors.
Boone remarked, “He nearly made a great play. He secured it, but it just popped out of his glove, which can happen.” This marked the Yankees’ third game in a row without scoring.
Chisholm, while not commenting after the game, mentioned he had lost his voice.
The former All-Star moved from second base to the outfield during his time with the Marlins. Since joining the Yankees in July 2024, he has taken on the role at third base.
He had initially expected to stay at third throughout his tenure, but before ending his rehabilitation stint, the Yankees indicated they would require him in that role again.
LeMahieu has spent most of his recent years playing at third base, yet three of his four Gold Glove awards were earned as a second baseman with the Rockies in 2014, 2017, and 2018.
