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Yankees bench Jazz Chisholm Jr. in Game 1 after up-and-down season

Manager Aaron Boone opted to keep Jazz Chisholm Jr. out of the opening playoff lineup for the second consecutive year, turning instead to Anthony Volpe at second base to face a left-handed starting pitcher.

Volpe justified the decision during a dominant nine-run shutout victory by collecting a hit and a sacrifice bunt. Boone explained that the choice was difficult following Chisholm's return from an injury layoff late in the season, while noting that the infielder remains a vital piece for the team's championship aspirations.

Chisholm is expected to return to the starting lineup for the subsequent game against a right-handed starting pitcher.

In addition to the second-base platoon, Boone inserted Amed Rosario at third base to counter the left-handed starter, though Rosario managed only a walk before being replaced mid-game. The manager expressed continued confidence in Rosario despite modest production against left-handed pitching during the regular season.

Alternative right-handed option José Caballero was kept available on the bench to serve as a primary base-running weapon.

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