CINCINNATI — New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. faced ejection for the second time this season during a tight matchup against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, ultimately leading to a 5-4, 11-inning loss for his team. The ejection occurred before the bottom of the ninth inning when Chisholm expressed his frustration over a called strike during a 2-0 count by plate umpire Mark Wegner, which he believed should have been ruled a ball.
After striking out, Chisholm continued to voice his displeasure as he left the batter’s box, prompting Yankees captain Aaron Judge to approach him as he proceeded to third base. Chisholm was overheard saying it was more of a conversation with himself when he caught Wegner’s attention again, leading to the ejection. “I looked at him and I said, ‘Why are you looking at me?’ And that’s when I got tossed,” Chisholm explained, expressing his belief that the ejection was unjustified since he wasn’t making any overtly negative remarks.
This ejection follows another incident earlier in the season where Chisholm was fined and briefly suspended after criticizing an umpire’s call via social media during a game. He acknowledged the need to manage his emotions better, stating, “That’s why I’m upset because I wasn’t talking to you (the umpire).”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone intervened during the incident, attempting to calm Chisholm as tensions grew. Boone noted that the ejection was not ideal, considering the circumstances surrounding Chisholm’s comments during the at-bat.
The Yankees’ struggles continued as they ended up losing their first two games of the series against the Reds, marking their ninth defeat in their last 12 games. Their lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East has been slashed to just one game, with Aaron Judge emphasizing the team’s need to improve moving forward. “We have to play better. We have a lot of winners in the clubhouse. You guys asked the same question last year. We have to figure it out,” Judge said.
This situation follows ongoing challenges for the Yankees, highlighting a need for discipline and focus as they navigate their current performance struggles.
Chisholm’s outspoken nature may serve as a catalyst for change if he can channel his emotions effectively, while the team must work cohesively to regain their previous form and secure their position in a competitive AL East race.