The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr may still be trying to climb out of a season-long slump, but the Bahamian infielder is beginning to show signs that his bat is heating up at the right time for the New York Yankees.

Chisholm Jr launched his 17th home run of the season Tuesday night as the Yankees defeated the St Louis Cardinals 2-0 at Yankee Stadium. His solo shot in the second inning opened the scoring and helped New York secure its 10th victory in its last 16 games. 

The home run came after Chisholm returned from a brief injury scare last week when he exited a game with right hamstring cramps. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the club was simply being cautious, adding that Chisholm was “OK” and considered “a fully active player.” 

The 28-year-old entered Wednesday batting .218 with 82 hits, 17 home runs, 46 RBIs, 30 stolen bases and a .694 OPS through 106 games. Despite the lower batting average, he remains one of only a handful of Major League players with at least 15 home runs and 30 stolen bases this season.

His latest homer also continued a recent stretch in which he has begun driving the ball with more authority after openly acknowledging his struggles earlier this season.

“It sucked. I’ve sucked all season. The numbers speak for themselves,” Chisholm said last month while discussing his offensive struggles. 

Boone has consistently backed his second baseman through those struggles and praised the impact Chisholm can have when he stays aggressive at the plate.

“That’s a bomb,” Boone said after one of Chisholm’s recent go-ahead home runs during the Yankees’ July road trip. 

Tuesday’s blast came during an eventful night for New York as top prospect George Lombard Jr homered in his Major League debut and dazzled defensively at shortstop. Boone praised the rookie afterward, saying, “Obviously a great first night for him.

“The home run was great. The defence was tremendous.” 

While Lombard Jr’s debut stole many of the headlines, Chisholm quietly continued to provide production for a Yankees lineup that has been without several key contributors because of injuries.

His 17th homer moved him into a tie for 55th in the Major Leagues, while his 30 stolen bases rank among the league leaders.

The combination of power and speed remains his greatest asset, and if his recent swing is any indication, the Yankees could be getting one of their most dynamic players going as they push toward the postseason.