"These plays will be really good learning things" - Yankees manager absolves Jazz Chisholm Jr. of blame after costly error in 4-2 loss to Nationals

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone refused to blame Jazz Chisholm Jr. for his defensive lapses during the 4-2 loss to the Washington Nationals on Tuesday. Boone feels Chisholm Jr. is still learning his trade at third base as he only moved to the position since joining from the Miami Marlins ahead of the trade deadline.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. made a fielding error when he allowed Nationals rookie James Wood to reach safely on a routine play at third base in the first inning. The 26-year-old had fielded the ball cleanly but made an errant throw away from the bag for first baseman DJ LeMahieu to gather it in time. The scorers had initially ruled it out before changing it to an error for Chisholm Jr.

Later in the sixth inning, the Yankees third baseman could not apply the tag on a throw from catcher Jose Trevino, which allowed another Nats rookie, Dylan Crews, to record his first stolen base in the MLB.

Aaron Boone discussed the defensive miscues from Jazz Chisholm Jr. when he spoke to reporters after the end of the game.

"Still learning, like I said from jump," Boone said. "On balance, it's been really good to elite," Boone said. "These reps will be really valuable for him, and these plays will be really good learning things for him moving forward.”

The latest error from Chisholm Jr. takes his tally to six in the 18 games that he has played at third base after joining the Yankees.

Aaron Boone reflects on Jazz Chisholm Jr. transitioning to 3B

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is still learning to play third base (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Aaron Boone feels the fielding errors will continue for Jazz Chisholm Jr. until he becomes adept at playing third base. Boone believes that the new Yankees third baseman is progressing well with his transition despite his frequent errors.

"He has been on the left side of the diamond for most of his career. Third [base] is a little different, though. But that's part of the growing pains," Boone said. "These are actually valuable reps he is getting, while he is actually playing really well at the position.

Despite his defensive frailties, Chisholm Jr. has made a massive impact on the Yankees from an offensive standpoint. Since arriving at the Bronx, he is batting .293 with a .982 OPS, which includes eight home runs and five stolen bases.