Anthony Volpe has been the Yankees’ common shortstop for shut to 3 years now. Recently, he has struggled sufficient that José Caballero has taken some enjoying time. It’s doable that well being is enjoying a task in Volpe’s downturn. He injured his left shoulder again in early Might. Immediately, Joel Sherman of The New York Publish studies that the shoulder discomfort has lingered since then and Volpe acquired a cortisone shot in that shoulder yesterday.
On the time of that harm, Volpe stated he heard a “pop” in his shoulder however shortly felt higher. “It occurred fast and it was scary, however after that, I felt OK and I felt like I had my power,” Volpe stated on the time. “I’ve by no means actually had the rest pop or dislocate or something like that, so I’ve nothing to match it to.”
Within the wake of Sherman’s report as we speak, Greg Joyce of The New York Publish provides that the Yankees have constantly downplayed the shoulder harm though Volpe is normally wrapped up in ice after most video games. Simply yesterday, supervisor Aaron Boone disregarded the issue, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.
“I feel early on after that, possibly a bit of bit,” the skipper stated. “I feel it’s one thing that’s additionally improved over the course of the 12 months. I really feel like, even these days, it’s been in pretty much as good of a spot because it’s been. I don’t essentially suppose that’s the case, however he’s additionally a really powerful child and a gamer. I don’t suppose so, however I suppose shouldn’t rule it out.”
As famous by Sherman, there’s a stark distinction between Volpe’s pre- and post-pop numbers. On Might 4th, he had a .233/.326/.442 batting line. That translated to a 114 wRC+, indicating he was 14% higher than league common at that time within the season. Since then, he has a .197/.248/.378 line and 70 wRC+.
It’s additionally doable that the harm is impacting Volpe defensively. He was credited with 15 Defensive Runs Saved in 2023 and 6 final 12 months however is at only one right here in 2025. Outs Above Common is much more stark. That metric gave Volpe a +1 grade in 2023 and +14 final 12 months however has dropped him all the best way to -9 right here in 2025. Volpe made eight throwing errors in 2023 and 9 final 12 months however already has 13 in 2025, in a smaller pattern of enjoying time.
Regardless of the declining numbers, Boone has caught by Volpe. A few weeks in the past, the skipper stated that he nonetheless thought of Volpe to be the membership’s shortstop whereas Caballero was thought of a “tenth man” who may bounce round to varied positions in a utility capability.
Extra lately, it’s doable there’s been a shift. Caballero has began rather than Volpe in two of the previous 5 video games. It’s doable the cortisone shot results in Volpe lacking some extra time, as gamers normally require just a few days’ relaxation after receiving such injections.
Extra to return.
