“Nothing there, [Chisholm Jr] is back in New York doing his treatment every day,” Boone commented during an appearance on Talkin’ Yanks. “I know he’s running, getting out on the field, and doing some defensive work, but I don’t know if there’s anything different or anything to report on yet.”

Chisholm Jr. remains sidelined and on the 10-day injured list (IL) as he rehabs from a sprained right thumb. He’s been on the IL during the 2026 MLB season since Sept. 10, though the move was made retroactive to Sept. 9.

Chisholm Jr. is eligible to be activated from the IL on Sept. 19, which would be right on cue for the Yankees‘ series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, that was always unlikely, and Boone’s update all but confirms it.

Chisholm Jr. is staying home

As Boone revealed in his latest injury update, Jazz remains in the Bronx working on his rehab with the team doctors and staff back home. Meanwhile, the Yankees are on the road.

And just like Boone confirmed Clarke Schmidt’s return date amid the series against the Minnesota Twins, he made it clear that Chisholm Jr. won’t join the team on its current road trip. Jazz is staying in New York, so he won’t be available in Arizona even though he would become eligible to return to MLB action by then.

New York is stress-free

With the Yankees having already punched their ticket to the postseason and Anthony Volpe covering for Chisholm Jr. in great fashion, there is no reason to panic.

The Yankees are cool, calm, and collected even with Chisholm Jr. injured. There will be time to stress later, come playoff time, but for now, the Bronx Bombers can breathe easily. For all Boone and the Yankees know, Jazz is doing just fine on his own at Yankee Stadium, so there is no “Home Alone” scenario to fear while the Pinstripers are away from the Bronx.

“Probably Wednesday (Sept. 16), [Tuesday] could be in play, but I’m looking at Wednesday probably,” Boone answered a question on when New York could activate Schmidt off the 60-day injured list (IL). “Why not [Wednesday]? He just pitched Saturday and he hasn’t gone on anything shorter than a few days rest.”

The sun is shining straight on the Bronx Bombers’ face. It’s a feeling unlike any other, but it can also be blinding. That’s why Cy Young Award favorite Cam Schlittler reminded Boone and the Yankees of the team’s expectations. Still, it’s hard not to get excited about the way things are going for New York when the Yankees have even received a good World Series omen from the New York Giants and New York Jets in the NFL.

At last, Schmidt’s return is set

It’s been a long, challenging journey for the 30-year-old starting pitcher. Schmidt tore his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow in July 2025, and he had to undergo the famous medical procedure coined after the late pioneer Tommy John.

It’s been 14 months since the injury, and after five appearances in the Minor Leagues as part of his rehab assignment, Schmidt has cleared the final hurdle. Based on Boone’s comments, Schmidt will return to an MLB mound on Wednesday against the Twins, marking his first game since July 3, 2025.

In his last start for the Pinstripers, Schmidt pitched three innings, allowing four hits, three runs (all of them earned), two walks, and a home run. It’s been a long time since that outing at Rogers Centre against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Potential cautious approach

It remains to be seen what Schmidt’s role will be on Wednesday and how long Boone and the Yankees leave him out there on the mound, especially considering the veteran made five appearances in the Minors in 2026 but started only two of them, pitching seven innings across them all. He may be back, but New York will still take things slowly so as to avoid an unfortunate setback.

According to the information reported on the official MLB website, the first scenario for the Pinstripes to reach the postseason would be to defeat the Twins. The other, just in case, would be for the Toronto Blue Jays to lose their game against the Detroit Tigers.

As the games unfold, it seems like the Bronx Bombers’ path to the playoffs in the AL East is within reach. Will Aaron Boone’s squad finally punch their ticket at Target Field?

Two teams have already clinched a postseason spot

With just a handful of games remaining in the regular season, only two teams have clinched a postseason berth so far. The first is the Tampa Bay Rays from the AL East, while they are joined by the Milwaukee Brewers from the NL Central. However, neither team has clinched its division yet.

What’s next for the Yankees?

To close out the regular season, the Yankees have a final 13-game stretch split across four key series, starting tonight, September 14th through 16th, on the road against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Immediately after, they stay away from home for a weekend set from September 18th to 20th to face the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

They then head back to the Bronx for a crucial homestand at Yankee Stadium, host to a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays from September 22nd to 24th (including a doubleheader on the 22nd), before wrapping up the regular season from September 25th to 27th against the Baltimore Orioles.

“The expectation is to make the playoffs and the expectation is to win a championship,” Schlittler said after the Yankees’ 2-0 win over the New York Mets. “We are in a good spot. I feel like if we keep playing the way we’re playing, we’re going to be headed in the right direction come October.”

Of course, his dominant performances on the mound to start games play a major role in New York’s bid to contend. Still, he doesn’t care much about that. All he wants is to win and bring silverware back to Yankee Stadium. He made sure to get that message across to the dugout and clubhouse.

Against the Mets, Schlittler added one more astounding outing to his season resume, the Bronx Bombers came away with the rubber-game win over their cross-town enemies, and Boone couldn’t say enough about the young starting pitcher’s production.

Boone calls for Schlittler to be MVP candidate

Despite their series victory over the Mets, the Yankees couldn’t clinch their MLB Playoffs spot on Sept. 13, it feels imminent. Moreover, Schlittler may have entered his name in another important conversation. At least, that’s what manager Boone believes.

“I think valuable is a good word [for Schlittler]. He might be the MVP, too,” Boone said during his postgame press conference. “He’s been awesome, just an awesome season. Hopefully a lot left in the tank for what we hope is another month and a half, or so. Just another really strong outing against a club that swings the bat really well.“

While most MLB fans and analysts consider Schlittler a heavy favorite to win the American League’s Cy Young Award, Boone believes that’s not enough recognition for the 25-year-old ace in the Bronx.

Aaron Judge weighs in

Others, like Aaron Judge, who has won MVP three times in his career, don’t necessarily agree. With Judge back in action, the court is back in session in the Bronx, and it’s clear where the Pinstripers’ No. 99 draws the line for Schlittler’s unreal season.

“He’s definitely pitching like an MVP, but they got a Cy Young Award for a reason: best pitcher in the game,” Judge stated, via Gary Phillips of NY Daily News. “So he’s got my vote definitely for the Cy Young.”

Schlittler’s numbers

Through 31 starts for the Yankees this season, Schlittler has allowed 123 hits, conceding 47 runs, out of which 40 went down as earned runs. Schlittler has a 14-6 record on the season. Moreover, he registers a 6.6 WAR, 1.95 ERA (best in AL), and 0.90 WHIP through 184.2 innings pitched with 228 strikeouts and 44 bases on balls.

So far this season, Schmidt has been unable to see any game action with the Pinstripes, but his highly anticipated return has him excited. “Obviously, this has been a long journey, so a lot of anticipation, and it’s gonna kind of probably feel like a debut when I go out there. But it’s exciting. I’m ready to get back out there and compete with the guys.“

Whether he pitches or not, he appears to have everything ready to join his Yankees teammates in Minnesota over the next few days: “I got my bag packed,” he added. The Yankees are entering a decisive stretch of the season with a significant number of players returning.

A long road to recovery for Schmidt

Schmidt’s career was seriously affected after he suffered a torn right UCL in July 2025 and had to undergo Tommy John surgery, specifically an internal brace procedure. Following a lengthy 14-month rehabilitation process, he completed his final Triple-A minor league rehab assignment and is set to be activated by the Yankees this week, returning just in time for the stretch run, where he will likely pitch out of the bullpen.

A tough trip to Minnesota

Heading into their September 14–16, 2026 series at Target Field, the Yankees hit the road in high gear for a crucial late-season matchup against a hungry Minnesota Twins squad battling for a Wild Card spot. New York’s high-octane offense and pitching rotation have been setting the tempo, giving the Bronx Bombers plenty of confidence as they pull into Minneapolis.

With Minnesota desperate for every win to keep its postseason dreams alive, Target Field should offer a fiery backdrop, but the Yankees look fully equipped to dominate the matchup and lock down momentum for the October stretch.

No major updates on Stanton

Giancarlo Stanton is another player who has unfortunately suffered an injury, and for now, everything indicates that his return will have to wait a little longer. “Nothing new – he’s doing some things, he’s been hitting, but nothing imminent,” Aaron Boone said to the press.

According to what insider Bryan Hoch revealed on X, a win over the New York Mets, combined with a Tampa Bay Rays loss to the Houston Astros, could be the first scenario for Aaron Boone’s team to clinch a playoff spot.

The other one is a bit more complicated. The Pinstripes must beat the Mets and also hope that both the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians lose their respective games today.

The last time the Yankees made the playoffs

The Bronx Bombers last appeared in the postseason in October 2025. After finishing second in the AL East with a 94–68 record during the regular season, they punched their ticket to October baseball via the Wild Card.

They kicked off their run by knocking out their arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox, winning the Wild Card Series 2–1. However, their postseason came to an abrupt end in the American League Division Series, where they fell 3–1 in a four-game series to the Toronto Blue Jays.

What lies beyond the Subway Series?

After wrapping up the Subway Series against the Mets, the Yankees hit the road to take on the Minnesota Twins at Target Field from September 14 to 16, followed by a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field from September 18 to 20, before returning home to host the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium from September 22 to 24.

“I do feel that we’re finding our stride offensively,” Boone said during his press conference. “Obviously we’re a lot more whole now with getting not only Aaron but, a couple of other guys back in the mix. . . We need to keep that going but, it does feel that we’re building to a good place offensively.”

The Pinstripes continue to push toward their goal of winning the AL East with the MLB regular season nearing its conclusion. Can they finally overtake the Tampa Bay Rays and claim the top spot in the division?

Judge leads the way in Subway Series opener

Aaron Judge set the tone right from the start in the Subway Series opener, putting constant pressure on the New York Mets’ pitching staff by going 1-for-3 with a walk. He sparked the offense early in the 1st inning by getting on base to set up Spencer Jones’ RBI single that got the scoring started.

While Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice brought the power with crucial home runs, Judge’s disciplined presence at the plate and calm leadership on the field kept the Yankees centered, ultimately steering the team to a solid 6-4 win.

On the charge for the AL East

As Aaron Boone‘s squad heads into the home stretch starting September 12th, they’ve got a crucial stretch ahead with three big series lined up against the Mets, Minnesota Twins, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Sitting in second place in the AL East with an 85-62 record, the Yankees have just 15 games left in the regular season to make their move.

Catching the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays—who currently sit three games ahead at 88-59—is definitely doable, but it’s going to take a red-hot run and a little help along the way, especially with a massive four-game showdown against Tampa Bay right around the corner.

The Bronx Bombers might be sending out mixed signals as of late. Recently, Boone hinted the Yankees would be saving Judge for the Mets series, but his latest comments now suggest that while he will play, he may not complete all games in the series.

“Asked if Aaron Judge will play all three games against the Mets, Aaron Boone said ‘we’ll see’,” NY Daily News’ Gary Phillips reported.

Judge may not be on board

Considering Judge was unhappy with Boone pulling him from the game in his first game back against the Colorado Rockies, he likely won’t be thrilled to learn he may not play in all three games against the cross-town rivals.

Plus, Judge may want to redeem himself against the Orange and Blue, so he won’t want to give up any possible chance to do so. So far this year, he hasn’t done great against the Mets, and he was hoping he could change that during the emotional three-game series that will start on Sept. 11 at Yankee Stadium.

Judge’s numbers against Mets in 2026

During his first three games against New York in the 2026 MLB season, Judge went 3-for-12 with two runs scored, two walks, and three strikeouts. His batting average (.250) is not what’s bothering him, but his OPS.

Judge has put up a .690 OPS, which is his fifth-lowest against any team in 2026. Clearly, he has some unfinished business with the Orange and Blue, but he might only have so many opportunities to settle the score.

NY Yankees’ pulse won’t tremble

Regardless, that’s the least of the concerns for Boone and the Yankees. They have bigger fish to fry and can’t risk putting Judge at risk just for him to try and settle a personal dispute. Whether he likes the decision or not, it’s not Judge’s to make, and Boone will have the final say.

Now, the Yankees have gotten a great update from Chisholm Jr., including his expected return date. Asked if Anthony Volpe will still be the main replacement at second base for Chisholm, manager Aaron Boone revealed that it’s uncertain and will be decided on a daily basis throughout the final month of the 2026 MLB campaign. News came as quite a surprise considering Boone had already set his lineup strategy for Volpe, as well as Aaron Judge.

“With Jose Caballero also around, Aaron Boone did not commit to Anthony Volpe being his second baseman in Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s absence. Boone called it a ‘day-by-day’ decision,” Gary Phillips of NY Daily News reported on X.

Caballero and Volpe could split 2B duties

Returning from a long stint in Triple-A and with plenty of questions left unanswered about his production, Anthony Volpe has to work his way back into the lineup and regain Boone’s trust.

Volpe will play in the Yankees‘ rubber game against the Colorado Rockies in what will be his first MLB start since Aug. 1. Although he found his footing in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Volpe is returning to MLB action now, where he carries a four-game hitless streak with him. The sooner he can get that monkey off his back, the better.

Caballero has been in and out of the lineup as of late. In August, the second baseman played in five straight series without missing a single game from Aug. 18-Sept. 2. But in the last month, he’s already been scratched in a couple of games. Thus, it’s safe to assume there is a position battle between Volpe and Caballero to fill Chisholm Jr.’s shoes, as he remains on the 10-day injured list.

Chisholm Jr.’s absence should serve as reminder

Playing in a contract year, Yankees fans have been critical of Jazz’s performance throughout the 2026 MLB season. At times, for good reason; at others, unreasonably so. Regardless, with him sidelined by a right thumb sprain, even if he isn’t expected to be out for long, the Bronx Bombers are finding out just how much they need him—and the questions that arise when he’s out of the lineup.

Perhaps it will serve as a reminder when he comes back, and especially going into the offseason, when Chisholm will become a free agent in MLB. A report indicates he could sign a prove-it deal with the New York Mets. Even if it wouldn’t be like Juan Soto’s situation, it’s safe to assume no fan in the Bronx would want to see another Pinstriper move across town to Queens.

Volpe gets the start at second base on Thursday, while Judge takes a planned day of rest. By sitting the team captain against Colorado, Boone is prioritizing freshness for the high-stakes cross-town matchup ahead, as it was hinted.

The move aligns with Boone’s hints on Wednesday regarding Judge’s availability against the Mets. At full strength, the slugger remains a lethal weapon against a Mets squad that has struggled to stay afloat late in the regular season.

With Volpe back in the fold, top prospect George Lombard Jr. addressed the roster depth following his first career home run in pinstripes on Wednesday, a moment that underscored the growing confidence inside the clubhouse.

Yankees’ predicted lineup against the Mets

As the Yankees look to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Rays in a tight AL East race, having a rested Judge back in the order will be crucial. Barring any late changes, here is how New York could line up against the Mets:

• DH Ben Rice
• LF Cody Bellinger
• RF Aaron Judge
• 1B Luis Garcia Jr.
• CF Spencer Jones / Jasson Dominguez
• 2B Jose Caballero / Amed Rosario
• SS George Lombard Jr. / Anthony Volpe
• 3B Ryan McMahon
• C Austin Wells
• Probable Starter: Max Fried (LHP)

By giving Judge a breather ahead of the weekend, the Yankees enter the Subway Series positioned to maintain momentum, regardless of where their cross-town rivals sit in the standings.

It won’t change because Judge was unhappy with Boone pulling him in the sixth inning, nor does it change because Boone approved of Judge’s performance in his first game back. The Pinstripers are sticking to the plan, and it might all be so Judge can be fully active when the Yankees host the New York Mets on Sept. 11.

“Boone said that Judge will ‘potentially’ sit [on Thursday],” as reported by Gary Phillips of NY Daily News Sports. “Boone said to “probably” expect a similar innings count for Judge [Wednesday].”

Sitting Thursday could be very telling on Judge’s status

If Judge indeed plays on an innings count on Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies and sits the rubber game on Thursday entirely, then it would all but confirm that New York’s plan was to get Judge’s first full game against the Mets all along.

The Subway Series, set to start on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks across the United States, was always expected to be the reserved date for Judge’s full-time return from the stress fracture in his first right rib that cost him 99 days on the 60-day injured list (IL). However, nothing is set in stone yet, and Boone was wary of making any commitment to a fixed date.

“We will talk about [Judge’s playing time]. I would say it’s a fluid situation these first several days of playing,” Boone stated during his press conference on Wednesday. “Just trying to get a feel for how he’s looking, feeling, recovering, and responding.”

How did Judge fare in first game back?

Stepping up to the plate at Yankee Stadium for the first time since May 24—a 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in which he went 2-for-4 with a homer—every Yankees fan in attendance knew better than to expect to see Judge in midseason form.

Facing pitches from Rockies starter Gabriel Hughes and reliever Mark Manfredi, Judge went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a flyout. He was replaced after the bottom of the sixth inning by Heliot Ramos, who happened to hit a three-run home run to center field in his first and only at-bat.

Still, Judge’s first game back wasn’t about his stats, but rather how he felt in MLB action after a four-month absence. So far, so good, but the Yankees will still take things slow and, by the looks of it, keep saving his best for the upcoming Mets series.