New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. was visibly displeased by Kansas City Royals’ Maikel Garcia’s play during the series opener at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday, which led to the Yankees’ lefty slugger leaving the game because of neck tightness.
The play caught everyone’s attention as Chisholm took off from second base to steal third in the top of the sixth inning. Garcia laid down an aggressive tag, but his knee caught the Chisholm Jr.’s face during the motion, leading to the injury.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Voiced His Anger at Maikel Garcia’s Aggressive Tag
Jomboy Media shared the video of Chisholm Jr. venting his anger at Garcia’s play at third base. In the video, the Yankees infielder can be seen talking to the third base coach and issuing a stern warning to the Royals’ third baseman.
“Imma tell you one more time… if he tags me like that one more time, Imma smack the fuck outta him”
pic.twitter.com/4iRwC4lZ3T— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 11, 2025
“I’m going to tell you one more time… if he tags me like that one more time, I’m going to smack the f*** out of him.” Chisholm Jr. ended the series opener 1-4 and scored a run as the Yankees routed the Royals 10-2 on the back of an amazing hitting display by captain Aaron Judge and catcher Austin Wells, who combined for eight RBIs on Tuesday night.
Chisholm Jr. hasn’t exactly endeared himself to Royals fans in recent months. During the playoff series between these two teams last October, Chisholm Jr. became somewhat of a villian for fans after saying the Royals “just got lucky” in their game three victory. Fans proceeded to save their loudest boos for Chisholm in game four.
Chisholm Jr. Sounds Off on Garcia’s Aggressive Tag in Postgame Interview
In a postgame interview, Chisholm Jr. made his feelings known on the the play, “I mean, I just feel like every time we have a problem, it’s always been him.”
He continued by saying, “You know, I mean, like, that’s the only reason why I was so frustrated, and then to even see that he didn’t have the ball for the way he tagged me just… I didn’t like it.” So, just frustrating, you know? That’s it.”
Jazz Chisholm Jr. shares his frustration on tag by Maikel Garcia, reacts to getting labeled as a “villain” by Royals fans last season.#YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/XGLWvAI0Sp
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) June 11, 2025
Chisholm Jr. said he expects to be back in the lineup on Wednesday for game two of the series against the Royals.