Jazz Chisholm Jr. seems to have discovered a new secret to his game: don’t reveal everything about yourself.
“We’re just focusing on 70%,” Chisholm explained regarding his strategy. There’s something about playing without overthinking and, uh, just keeping it simple.
Whatever his approach is, it’s definitely working for him.
Since returning from a strained oblique that put him on the injured list, he’s had a fantastic run—kicking things off with a multi-hit game in a 9-6 victory against the Red Sox. This marks his third solid performance in just four games.
Chisholm not only hit the Yankees’ first three-run homer of the night but also had a single and stole a base in the second inning. He kept it up with another hit in the sixth and added a stolen base before trying to steal a third.
He nailed a liner in the eighth inning, making it three homers and three stolen bases since he was activated.
Chisholm’s recent spark on the field seems to stem from his time spent during a minor league stint with Double A Somerset.
Following a three-hit game the previous Thursday against Cleveland, Chisholm felt a renewed sense of confidence.
“It’s like being back in minor league baseball again,” he remarked.
His manager, Pat Rossler, really encouraged him during this time.
“Rossler said I was at 70%. I’m one of the best players out there,” Chisholm shared. “But when I’m at 100%, I might not be great. I was hitting .171. So… there you go.”
At one point, he was struggling significantly, hitting just .157 as of April 20, with a meager OPS of 0.653.
But whatever technique he’s using now, the Yankees are certainly glad to see it working.
Chisholm’s resurgence began before the injuries and his minor league assignments. He was hitting well, scoring Homer 22-6 during his last eight games before his oblique injury, even if it came with 10 strikeouts in 31 plate appearances.
In his latest two games, he has really made an impact. His OPS now aligns more closely with what the Yankees anticipated when they acquired him from the Marlins last trade deadline.
“You step onto Yankee Stadium, and you just feel the adrenaline,” said Aaron Judge.
Judge noticed how Chisholm’s performance changed with his recent success. “I was right there during those two bases,” he noted.
His capability to play multiple positions gives the Yankees greater flexibility, helping DJ Lemahieu feel more comfortable at second base.
Chisholm commented on his playing style, saying, “I try to tone down how I play. It’s electrifying, yes, but it’s about controlling that energy.”
However, it’s not as simple as it sounds.
Admitting it is “super challenging,” Chisholm noted, “The only thing I knew was how to push myself to the max.”
