Breaking News: MLB Opens Investigation Into Fiery Altercation Between Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Braves’ Eddie Perez — Dugout Drama Escalates as League Considers Punishments After Explosive On-Field Confrontation.

According to multiple reports, the incident began in the sixth inning when Chisholm, standing on second base, appeared to be signaling to his teammate Anthony Volpe, who was at bat. Braves assistant coach Eddie Perez, visibly frustrated, gestured toward his head while engaging in a heated verbal exchange with Chisholm from the home dugout steps. This gesture is often interpreted in baseball as a warning or suggestion that a player should “watch themselves” — a signal that could easily be perceived as a threat or an indication of future retaliation.

Volpe proceeded to hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Giancarlo Stanton, moving Trent Grisham to second base, and advancing Chisholm to third. As Chisholm made his way to third, he responded to Perez’s remarks with a crying hand gesture, clearly mocking the Braves’ coach. The two continued their verbal jabs, and the altercation appeared to remain a topic of discussion among players in the Yankees’ dugout for the rest of the inning.

While Chisholm declined to comment on the situation during Sunday’s game, Perez later offered an explanation in a post-game interview with MLB.com. He claimed that his intentions were misunderstood and that his words were meant as guidance rather than hostility.

“I was just saying, ‘Be smart.’ I actually like that guy. He’s one of my favorites,” said Perez. “And he got mad about it. I don’t know why he got mad. So I said, ‘Take it easy,’ and he started doing some stuff.”

Despite Perez’s seemingly calm account, his “be smart” remark — in the heat of the moment — raised eyebrows around the league, especially given the implication that Chisholm might be targeted by a pitch in a future at-bat.

Legally, players are permitted to relay signs as long as the method is natural and unaided by technology, a point that Yankees manager Aaron Boone reinforced when addressing reporters before Sunday’s game.

“Every team in this league is constantly searching for small advantages,” Boone said. “As long as it’s within the rules — and it was — there’s nothing wrong with that. We’re all trying to find ways to help our team win.”

MLB will now review footage, speak with those involved, and determine whether disciplinary action is warranted. For now, the league’s focus remains on maintaining fair competition while ensuring the safety and professionalism of all players and staff.

As emotions continue to simmer, all eyes will be on the league’s next steps — and whether this incident ignites a larger rivalry between two of baseball’s biggest franchises.