NEW YORK (AP) – Jazz Chisholm Jr. has embraced a 70% approach.
While many athletes discuss their drive to give 100% or even 110%, the New York Yankees infielder has focused on his recent success after returning from the injured list by moderating his intensity.
“I’m sticking to 70%, that’s what has worked for me,” he stated Friday night following his three-run go-ahead homer and four RBIs that energized the Yankees in their 9-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox in this year’s first meeting of the AL East rivals. “Playing at 70%—defense, offense, running, everything—keeps me healthy. You don’t overexert yourself, you won’t make mistakes. You can still be a great player at 70%.”
Since returning on Tuesday from an injury sustained on April 29, which kept him out for 28 games, Chisholm has hit .500 (8 for 16) with two homers, six RBIs, and three steals.
“He’s making solid contact. He has considerable talent and strength, and he doesn’t need to overswing,” manager Aaron Boone remarked. “That wiry energy he possesses allows him to produce without overexerting. It’s always great to see Jazz perform like that.”
Chisholm’s season average has climbed from .181 to .223 this week.
“He’s a game changer,” Yankees captain Aaron Judge said. “Once you step onto the field at Yankee Stadium, the adrenaline kicks in. It’s crucial to slow everything down and maintain a composed approach.”
Chisholm attributes this mindset shift to assistant hitting coach Pat Rossler.
“As my coach Six says, ‘You’re one of the best out there.’ At 100%, I might be playing poorly,” Chisholm explained, referring to Rossler by his nickname.
Last weekend, Chisholm collaborated with his coach to prepare for his rehabilitation stint in Double A Somerset by reviewing footage from Minor League Day.
“I’ve realized everything in my life needs to be toned down regarding how I play, as I tend to overdo it. My 70% running speed is likely faster than most in the league. So, if I hit a ball at 108 or 109 mph at 70%, I can still perform well defensively and steal bases.”
He also drew a NASCAR analogy.
“It’s challenging for me because my initial instinct was to push for more speed,” Chisholm said. “Essentially, I was Ricky Bobby growing up.”
In the game, Chisholm had three hits, including his second RBI single, and successfully stole two bases out of three attempts. Anthony Volpe hit a two-run homer early on, extending the lead to 7-0.
“He may think he’s at 70%, but everyone in the clubhouse loves and respects how he plays as if he’s giving over 100% every night,” Volpe said.
Following DJ LeMahieu’s return from Oswald Cabrera’s broken left ankle and calf strain, the Yankees moved Chisholm from second base to third. He was a mid-range infielder with the Miami Marlins from 2020-22 before transitioning to center field in 2023-24, and he was placed at third base when the Yankees acquired him via trade on July 27 of last year.
Chisholm is content with either infield position and is not keen on returning to the outfield.
“I’m comfortable anywhere there’s dirt,” he stated. “When the ball’s on the ground, I’ll catch it. That’s my focus. The air play is a bit unpredictable. It’s somewhat nerve-wracking.”
Chisholm recalled last year’s World Series Game 5, where the Yankees led the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-0 but fell to a 7-6 defeat.
“We aren’t just aiming to win the division; we intend to excel in every category. We want to be the best team in MLB,” he emphasized. “Our goal is the World Series—we were there last year and felt we had it but ultimately fell short.”
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