Yankees Make Jazz Chisholm Jr. Decision After Loss to Astros

Yankees Make Jazz Chisholm Jr. Decision After Loss to Astros originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The New York Yankees have consistently slid in the standings, falling from first place in the AL East to the final Wild Card spot with the Cleveland Guardians just a half game back. At 61–55, the storied franchise sits just six games above .500 with only two months left in the season.

The team has lost 12 of 20 games since the All-Star break, and although the bullpen has struggled, so has Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is batting .197 with just 15 hits and two home runs in 20 games in the second half.

After five seasons with the Miami Marlins, the 27-year-old second baseman arrived in the Bronx at last year’s trade deadline. In his first full season with the Yankees, he put together a strong first half and earned his second career All-Star selection—his first with New York.

With Jazz Chisholm Jr. Struggling, Yankees Adjust Lineup

As a result of his recent decline in play, New York decided to bench Chisholm ahead of Saturday’s game against the Houston Astros, with Framber Valdez on the mound for Houston.

Newly acquired right-handed speedster Jose Caballero took his spot at second base and will hit eighth in the batting order with a platoon advantage against the left-handed Valdez.

"Saturday in The Bronx."

Saturday in The Bronx. #RepBXpic.twitter.com/XvAFmXlhxA

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 9, 2025

Caballero Brings Speed, Platoon Edge as Chisholm’s Struggles Continue

Although Chisholm’s bat will be missed in the lineup, it’s worth noting that Caballero has performed better against left-handed pitching this year while also being a bigger threat on the basepaths:

• Batting vs. left-handed pitching: Caballero – .235 AVG, .723 OPS; Chisholm – .235 AVG, .649 OPS
• Total stolen bases: Caballero – 35; Chisholm – 14

Overall, Chisholm is still the more productive player, batting .237 with 19 home runs and a .790 OPS over 85 games. But with Chisholm slumping, the Yankees now have the ability to give him days off against tough left-handed pitchers without losing too much juice in the lineup.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.