Yankees veteran infielders make two miscues that prove costly

On another night of offensive woes, the Yankees also encountered some defensive slipups.

When Jazz Chisholm Jr. returned from an oblique strain earlier this month, the Yankees had an infield dilemma. Rather than putting him back at second base and moving DJ LeMahieu to third, the Yankees asked Chisholm to go across the diamond due to his speed.

Nevertheless, on Tuesday night in the Yankees’ 4-0 loss to the Angels in The Bronx, the Bombers saw two costly plays from each of them.

If a pattern emerges, especially with a struggling lineup, the decision could be put into question.

Additionally, it could pose the question as to whether or not the Yankees look around for a solution before the trade deadline.

In the top of the second inning, the Angels’ Luis Rengifo singled on a ground ball to LeMahieu, who was unable to keep the ball in front of him as it slid under his glove and into right field.

The miscue knocked in Logan O’Hoppe for an early 1-0 lead.

An inning later, with the bases loaded, Chisholm missed a ground ball that hit the edge of his glove, giving Taylor Ward a two-run single as Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel scored to extend the Angels lead.

Following the tough innings, Will Warren went on to retire 11 straight batters, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone didn’t seem concerned about the defensive gaffes.

He thought LeMahieu nearly had it.

“He got to it, had a chance, it’s gonna be a really good play,” Boone said after the Yankees were shut out a third straight game. “I felt like he kinda secured it too and then it just kinda squibbed off his glove. So, obviously a tough chance. One that he almost got to and made. So, you know, touch chance.”

Chisholm did not answer questions following the game, telling the media he lost his voice.

The one-time All-Star from the Bahamas moved from second base to the outfield while playing for the Marlins.

After joining the Yankees in July 2024, he accepted the third base role with his new team.

He thought that would be the end of his time playing third base.

Nevertheless, prior to leaving his rehab assignment, he was told by the Yankees they would need him in the role yet again.

LeMahieu has primarily played third base in more recent years of his career, but three of his four Gold Glove wins came from playing second for the Rockies in 2014, 2017, and 2018.