Anthony Volpe has been the New York Yankees’ common shortstop for shut to a few years now. These days, he has struggled sufficient that José Caballero has taken some enjoying time. Well being could also be enjoying a job in Volpe’s downturn. He injured his left shoulder back in early May. On Thursday, Joel Sherman of The New York Post stories that the shoulder discomfort has lingered since then and Volpe acquired a cortisone shot in that shoulder on Wednesday.
On the time of that damage, Volpe mentioned 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 energy,” Volpe mentioned on the time. “I’ve by no means actually had anything pop or dislocate or something like that, so I’ve nothing to match it to.”
Within the wake of Sherman’s report on Thursday, Greg Joyce of The New York Post provides that the Yankees have persistently downplayed the shoulder damage, despite the fact that Volpe is often wrapped up in ice after most video games. Simply Wednesday, supervisor Aaron Boone dismissed the issue, per The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner.
“I feel early on after that, perhaps a bit of bit,” the skipper mentioned, when requested if Volpe’s shoulder has been impacting his efficiency. “I feel it’s one thing that’s additionally improved over the course of the yr. I really feel like, even currently, it’s been in nearly 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 assume shouldn’t rule it out.”
A stark distinction in Anthony Volpe’s pre-injury numbers
As famous by Sherman, there’s a stark distinction between Volpe’s pre- and post-pop numbers. On Might 4, 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 potential that the damage is impacting Volpe defensively. He was credited with 15 Defensive Runs Saved in 2023 and 6 final yr, however is at only one right here in 2025. Outs Above Common is much more notable. That metric gave Volpe a +1 grade in 2023 and +14 final yr, however has dropped him all the way in which to -9 right here in 2025. Volpe made eight throwing errors in 2023 and 9 final yr, however already has 13 in 2025, in a smaller pattern of enjoying time.
Regardless of the declining numbers, Boone has caught by Volpe. A couple of weeks ago, the skipper mentioned that he nonetheless thought-about Volpe to be the membership’s shortstop whereas Caballero was thought-about a “tenth man” who might bounce round to varied positions in a utility capability.
Extra just lately, there might have been a shift. Caballero has began instead of Volpe in two of the previous 5 video games. The cortisone shot might result in Volpe lacking some extra time, as gamers often require a couple of days’ relaxation after receiving such injections.
What Anthony Volpe’s damage means for Yankees’ playoff hopes
On the one hand, it’s considerably encouraging that Volpe’s struggles have a potential rationalization. Then again, it’s a less-than-ideal scenario right now of yr when each recreation is significant. The Yanks at the moment maintain a wild-card spot, however they’re in a good battle with golf equipment just like the Boston Crimson Sox, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Guardians, Kansas Metropolis Royals and Tampa Bay Rays. The Yanks are additionally certainly hoping to chase down the Toronto Blue Jays for the division lead, at the moment trailing by simply three video games.
Sending Volpe to the injured record or just sitting him for a couple of video games might maybe assist his shoulder woes a bit, however that would depart the membership a bit thinner at shortstop as they play significant video games. There would even be the danger of Volpe getting rusty after a layoff and never having time to get into a greater groove.
For now, it appears Caballero may benefit from a bit extra enjoying time. He has a stable .239/.345/.413 line since being acquired on the deadline, however he has a profession .226/.313/.335 slash and 89 wRC+. Even when his hitting is subpar, his glove work is nice, and he’s one of many high base stealers within the majors. If Volpe does require a stint on the IL, the Yanks might maybe recall Braden Shewmake to function a glove-first backup to Caballero.
