The New York Yankees made a bold move on Sunday night, benching shortstop Anthony Volpe in the midst of his extended struggles both at the plate and in the field.
Manager Aaron Boone called it a much-needed “mental reset” for the young infielder. He also wanted to ride the hot bat and versatile glove of recently acquired Jose Caballero.
The Yankees are pushing for a postseason berth. Boone’s lineup choices have started to revolve around maximizing performance — and making it clear that every game matters.
Volpe’s Season Hits a Low Point
Volpe’s first full MLB season has been a rollercoaster. There have been flashes of promise, but an alarming decline on both offense and defense has overshadowed them.
The 23-year-old shortstop has committed a league-high 17 errors. That’s been tough for fans — and the Yankees — to ignore.
His latest miscue, a costly throwing error in Saturday’s brutal 12-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox, only amplified frustration. The Yankee Stadium crowd let him hear it with a chorus of boos.
At the plate, Volpe’s production has just cratered. His batting average, once at .249, now sits at .208.
Over his last 60 games, he’s hitting just .160 even though he’s managed to belt 10 home runs during that stretch. A brief surge after the All-Star break hinted at a turnaround, but that faded fast.
Recent Numbers Tell the Story
In the past 19 games, Volpe has gone a meager 8-for-66, good for a .121 batting average. Boone saw no choice but to give Volpe some time away from the starting lineup to regroup mentally and physically.
The Caballero Effect
While Volpe has struggled, Jose Caballero has quickly begun to win over the Bronx faithful. The Yankees picked him up from the Tampa Bay Rays at the trade deadline, and he’s been electric since donning pinstripes.
In just 14 games, he’s posted a .320/.433/.600 slash line with two homers and six steals. That blend of contact, power, and speed is exactly what the Yankees have been missing.
Elite Speed and Defensive Versatility
Caballero’s impact isn’t just with the bat. He leads all of MLB with 40 stolen bases and has started 30 games at shortstop this season.
He brings defensive range and quickness Boone can trust in high-pressure games. His versatility lets Boone shuffle the infield and create better matchups as the Yankees chase a playoff spot.
Boone’s “All Hands on Deck” Approach
The Yankees’ manager said the decision wasn’t only about benching Volpe. It’s about putting the best possible lineup on the field every night.
“It’s all hands on deck,” Boone remarked, with the standings tight and the margin for error shrinking. Right now, recent performance — not just reputation — decides who plays.
Volpe’s Determination Remains
Despite the demotion, Volpe handled the news with maturity. He said he’s proud to compete every day and is trying to find positives amid the struggles.
Positive News from the Bullpen
There’s some good news on the pitching front. Reliever Fernando Cruz, sidelined since late June with an oblique injury, is slated to return Monday against the Washington Nationals.
Before landing on the injured list, Cruz was one of the Yankees’ most reliable bullpen arms. He posted a 3.00 ERA with 54 strikeouts over 33 innings.
Fresh Arm for a Crucial Stretch
As the Yankees grind through the late-season schedule, reinforcements like Cruz could prove invaluable. His strikeout ability and late-inning poise give Boone another trusted option in tight games — and honestly, New York will need every bit of that in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
Volpe’s on the bench now. Caballero’s surging, and Cruz is back in the mix.
The Yankees’ roster keeps shifting as the season enters its most critical phase. The front office and coaches aren’t afraid to make tough calls, and they’re clearly chasing immediate results.
Volpe’s struggles sting for everyone involved, but nobody doubts his talent. Maybe a short break is what he needs to come back sharper—sometimes that’s all it takes.
Right now, New York’s riding Caballero’s momentum and looking to guys like Cruz for help. Postseason hopes aren’t out of reach, but it won’t be easy.
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees start Jose Caballero at shortstop instead of Anthony Volpe
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