UPDATE: New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has just confirmed that shortstop Anthony Volpe will remain the team’s primary shortstop, despite his recent struggles at the plate. Volpe was left out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive game on Monday against the Washington Nationals as he faces a challenging offensive slump.
Boone stated, “I plan on having him back in there [Tuesday] and probably in there in some way, shape or form tonight.” This decision comes as the Yankees look to support Volpe, who has struggled significantly, hitting just 1-for-28 over his last 29 plate appearances, leading to a batting average of only .121 since August 1.
The Yankees have only played six games this season without Volpe as their starting shortstop, marking a concerning trend as it was the third time in just over a week. Jose Caballero, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at the trade deadline, has filled in during Volpe’s absence. Boone described this period as a “reset” for the 24-year-old player, indicating that the team is focused on helping him regain his form.
Volpe’s performance has been disappointing this season, with a batting average of .208, 18 home runs, and a .675 OPS in 509 plate appearances. His 86 wRC+ ranks 144th among qualified major league hitters. Boone emphasized the need for Volpe to achieve more consistency, stating, “There’s productive offensive players that come in many shapes and forms… I think the next thing for Anthony, though, is the consistency part.”
Compounding the issue, Volpe’s defensive performance has also declined. Once a Gold Glove Award winner, he currently has a troubling -7 Outs Above Average this season, ranking him 21st among 24 qualified shortstops. This drop has resulted in boos from home crowds, but Boone believes that Volpe is coping well, saying, “He handles it quite well… He’s mentally very tough and totally wired to handle all of the things that go with being a big leaguer in this city.”
As the Yankees navigate the remainder of the season, all eyes will be on how Volpe responds to this crucial moment in his career. The team’s upcoming games will be vital for both Volpe’s development and the Yankees’ performance as they strive for a playoff push. Fans will be eager to see if this reset can help Volpe find his footing and contribute effectively to the team’s success.