TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees’ second baseman, Jazz Chisholm Jr., faced a one-game suspension and a fine imposed by Major League Baseball on Friday. This disciplinary action followed his ejection during a match against the Tampa Bay Rays, along with a breach of MLB’s social media guidelines.
The announcement came from Michael Hill, MLB’s senior vice president of on-field operations. Chisholm, however, decided to appeal the decision, which put a pause on any immediate penalties. Consequently, he assumed his regular position at second base during the Yankees’ narrow 1-0 triumph over Tampa Bay later that night, where he finished 0 for 4, striking out twice.
During Thursday night’s game, Chisholm was ejected in the seventh inning by plate umpire John Bacon. The dispute arose after a called third strike on a full-count pitch from Tampa Bay’s Mason Montgomery, which Chisholm argued was too low. This ejection marked his fifth in his career and his first since joining the Yankees.
In the heat of the moment, Chisholm took to his social media account to post his frustration, stating, “Not even … close!!!!!” and included profanity in the post, which he later chose to delete. MLB’s rules strictly prohibit electronic device use during games and their social media code disallows content that questions or denigrates the professionalism of an official.
Reflecting on the incident, Chisholm said, “Initially, I didn’t see any ejectable offense in what I expressed, but I guess afterward it seems different.” He explained, “As a competitor, it’s challenging not to react when you feel unjustly called out. I definitely let my emotions get the best of me.”
He acknowledged his need for growth, adding, “I’m angry with myself for losing my composure. I need to manage my emotions better.”