The New York Yankees will be without star Jazz Chisholm for at least 10 days, but the infielder isn't expecting it to be more than that.
After being placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left elbow sprain that included an injury to his UCL. The injury occurred when Chisholm was tagged sliding into home plate Monday night against the Chicago White Sox.
While Chisholm is expected to miss time, the 26-year-old avoided surgery for now and is set to rest and rehab. The Yankees reportedly hope Chisholm can return sometime in September.
However, Chisholm's own statements about his potential return are vastly different. He told reporters Friday that he's "100 percent" certain will be able to return to the lineup after the 10 days have passed, according to Erik Boland of Newsday.
Chisholm also said he hasn't felt any pain in his elbow since the injury occurred Monday.
That would be a massive break for the Yankees if Chisholm could return as soon as his stint on the injured list was concluded.
The Yankees certainly will want to make sure no further damage would come to the elbow if Chisholm did return that quickly so they will have to be smart about that crucial decision.
Chisholm has meant a lot to the Yankees since the big trade ahead of the July 30 deadline. Both on the field and in the locker room, Chisholm has embraced playing in The Bronx.
He's doing it well, too. In the 14 games since he was acquired at the trade deadline, Chisholm was slashing .316/.361/.702 with a 189 OPS+, seven home runs, 11 RBI and five stolen bases in 61 plate appearances.
With the home stretch of the season coming up, the Yankees will need all the help they can get in their pursuit of the top seed in the American League.
Their chances of doing so are much greater if Chisholm truly does return after his stint on the injured list concludes.
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