Yankees Face Decision on Starting Lineup Against Red Sox

When the Yankees played against a left-handed pitcher from the Red Sox in Game 1 of last year’s AL wild-card series, Aaron Boone chose to bench Jazz Chisholm Jr., which didn’t sit well with him.

That scenario might unfold again on Tuesday, as Boone must decide between Chisholm, a left-handed hitter, and right-handed hitting Anthony Volpe for the second base spot against southpaw Payton Tolle.

Chisholm mentioned that he expected to be in the lineup for Tuesday’s game, although he hadn’t heard anything from Boone just yet. When asked if he would feel “angry” if he didn’t play against Tolle—who he has only faced five times, with one home run and two strikeouts—Chisholm seemed to suggest he would. “As a competitor, who wouldn’t be?” he said, recalling his disappointment last year when he was left out of the Game 1 lineup against lefty Garrett Crochet. “It’s the playoffs; you want to play.”

Chisholm started both games against Tolle in the regular season, but the Yankees’ roster is different now. Volpe, who is 0-for-2 against Tolle, is also in the mix as a utility player. It’s worth noting that Chisholm has only had 12 plate appearances since returning from the injured list following a right thumb sprain.

Boone pointed out Chisholm’s recent injury while discussing the possibility of a platoon arrangement between him and Volpe. “Volpe is very much in play,” Boone commented. “The platoon stuff is in play there. Obviously, Jazz is just coming back from the thumb. He managed to get a couple of games in, but would have liked another one or two, though the weather didn’t cooperate this weekend. Anthony’s put himself in the mix for this.”

Chisholm, who will be a free agent soon, has had a mostly tough season, but he had been performing well before his injury earlier this month. He was asked whether he would understand Boone’s platoon strategy for this series. “In a way,” Chisholm responded. “But it’s playoff baseball; it’s different.”

On another note, Ryan Weathers threw an inning of live batting practice on Monday, which the Yankees need to consider for their roster decisions. Due to recovery from a left forearm flexor strain, he might not be available for Game 1 on Tuesday. But the question remains: could he be ready for a later game this week?

Weathers had his first live session on Friday and pitched again on Monday, taking two days of rest. If he makes the roster, his role may be limited to just one inning, while another lefty, Tim Hill, would likely be available for all three games.

Meanwhile, Crochet, who has been sidelined since April due to a shoulder issue, participated in live batting practice over the weekend, aiming for a swift return that may allow him to join the Red Sox wild-card roster. “I guess now it’s just a matter of if anybody agrees with me,” Crochet said, feeling optimistic about his performance and health. “I’ve been working hard to give myself this chance, and now I’m just waiting for the roster to be finalized.”

Red Sox manager Chad Tracy mentioned he still hadn’t decided if Crochet would make the roster but seemed more confident about Willson Contreras, who returned to play Sunday after missing several games due to a bruised hand. “We’ll make sure to get everyone through the workout and see where we’re at, but I think he’s ready to go,” Tracy stated.

Another interesting roster possibility for the Red Sox is Triple-A outfielder Braiden Ward, who joined the team in The Bronx after stealing 61 bases in the minors this season. He could potentially be added as a pinch runner.

If that happens, the 27-year-old would make his major league debut. “It’s like a dream—it’s a fever dream,” Ward shared. “One day I’m in Worcester, then Florida, and now I’m staying at the nicest hotel I’ve ever been in, in New York City, with the greatest view, the best team, and the hope of playing in the greatest rivalry.”