Sep 30, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) reacts after flying out with the bases loaded during the ninth inning of game one of the Wildcard round of the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

During the first game of the postseason between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, there was a curious decision made in the starting lineup.

Despite a strong campaign during his first full season in New York, the Yankees chose not to start Jazz Chisholm Jr. against the Red Sox. Chisholm had a career-high 31 home runs while also recording 31 stolen bases. He became the third player in franchise history to join the 30-30 club.

Yankees manager instead opted with Amed Rosario, who has enjoyed tremendous success against Boston left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet on Tuesday. Chisholm has historically performed better against right-handed pitchers as an MLB player. He entered late in the game as a defensive substitute.

Chisholm turned his back to the media when he was asked about the decision from Aaron Boone.

Here is more from Andy Martino, who provided further context (via SNY):

"The weird part about Chisholm’s postgame performance was that I’d spoken to a Yankees person (not Boone) before the game and asked how Jazz had taken the news. That person said that Boone had communicated effectively, and that Chisholm had taken it well and was in a good place.

After the game, a few other Yankee people said that Chisholm was not acting angry behind the scenes. Perhaps he was embarrassed and didn’t want to talk about the manager’s decision, those people speculated. Chisholm remains a popular teammate. This did not feel like a five-alarm fire."

Yankees star Aaron Judge added that he would handle the situation internally.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why wasn't Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the starting lineup for the Yankees?

Reporting by Bryan Kalbrosky, For The Win / For The Win

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