Yankees, Jazz Chisholm Jr. explain bizarre final play in extra-innings Rays loss

The final play of the Yankees' loss to the Tampa Bay Rays left Jazz Chisholm Jr. wondering what he could have done to save the game.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:33am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the final play of the Yankees-Rays game, with overlapping shapes and planes in navy, green, and orange representing the players, ball, and field.A cubist interpretation of the chaotic final play that decided the Yankees-Rays extra-inning thriller, capturing the confusion and split-second decisions that determined the outcome.St. Petersburg Today

In the bottom of the 10th inning with the game tied at 4-4, the Tampa Bay Rays had the bases loaded and one out. The New York Yankees brought in an extra infielder, but a high-bouncing grounder to Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base led to confusion and the Rays scoring the winning run. Chisholm and Yankees manager Aaron Boone discussed the play and the team's missed opportunities throughout the game.

Why it matters

The bizarre final play highlighted the challenges of executing a double play in a high-pressure situation, as well as the Yankees' struggles to capitalize on scoring chances throughout the game. The loss extended the Yankees' losing streak to four games, putting them in a tough spot in the early part of the season.

The details

With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the 10th, Rays batter Jonathan Aranda hit a high-bouncing chopper to second base. Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger tried to field the ball in front of Chisholm, but it got past him. Chisholm was then unable to cleanly field the ball, missing a chance to potentially turn a double play and extend the game. Chisholm said he was unsure of the best play to make in that situation, while Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged he didn't have a good angle to evaluate if Chisholm could have tagged the runner at third.

  • In the bottom of the 10th inning, with the game tied 4-4.

The players

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

A second baseman for the New York Yankees who was involved in the key play at the end of the game.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees who discussed the final play and his team's missed opportunities throughout the game.

Jonathan Aranda

A batter for the Tampa Bay Rays who hit the high-bouncing chopper that led to the final play of the game.

Cody Bellinger

A Yankees outfielder who tried to field the ball in front of Chisholm on the final play.

Yandy Díaz

A Rays baserunner who was running from first base on the final play.

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What they’re saying

“I was really gonna tag the runner and throw it to first. I don't know what the rule is, if I went to first base first and threw it back to second if it's an out. Is it still a double play? I don't know. Does it count as not an RBI?”

— Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees Second Baseman

“No, they'll score. He'll get there before the tag at third.”

— Trent Grisham, Yankees Center Fielder

“Once he got off balance and to the ground — I think as soon as it was chopped, as the fielder, you realize you're up against it there. I have to look back and see Yandy.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager

What’s next

The Yankees will look to end their four-game losing streak when they face the Rays again on Sunday.

The takeaway

This bizarre final play highlighted the Yankees' struggles to capitalize on scoring chances and close out a close game against their division rival Rays. The team will need to regroup and execute better in high-pressure situations if they hope to turn their recent skid around.