Aaron Boone Reveals Text to Jazz Chisholm Jr. Telling Yankees Star He Won't Start Game 1 vs. Red Sox

Jazz Chisholm Jr. will not start Game 1 of the New York Yankees' playoff series against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, but manager Aaron Boone still wants the veteran to be ready.

"I texted him, 'Hey, you might be the most important person in the building tonight. We need you to be ready to go for the biggest spot, potentially,'" Boone said, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.

Chisholm was notably missing from the starting lineup when it was released with Anthony Volpe at second base:

While Chisholm is a proven player, it perhaps shouldn't be that surprising he isn't in Tuesday's lineup. After all, the Red Sox are starting a left-handed pitcher in Payton Tolle, which could have nullified his bat.

Against right-handers this season, Chisholm had a .738 OPS with 14 home runs and 34 RBI. That is much better than his numbers against left-handers with a .650 OPS, five home runs and 21 RBI.

What's more, the 28-year-old has played just three games since Sept. 8 because of a thumb injury and could still be working his way through some rust.

But Boone's comments suggest the manager plans on potentially using him as a pinch-hitter should the opportunity arise. If Boston goes to a right-hander out of the bullpen in a key moment, Chisholm could be called on off the bench.

Someone will have to deliver in such a moment for the Yankees during this series if they are going to advance, as superstar Aaron Judge is still sidelined. That is a major bat missing from the lineup, which puts pressure on the others who would otherwise be seen as role players.