Yankees Option Volpe to Triple-A, Retain Caballero at Short
The New York Yankees optioned shortstop Anthony Volpe to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders after his rehab assignment from left shoulder surgery ended. The move keeps Jose Caballero as the primary shortstop while the Yankees hold the best record in the American League following an 11-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted Caballero's strong play at the position complicated Volpe's return.
Volpe underwent shoulder surgery on Oct. 14 after the Yankees' postseason elimination by the Toronto Blue Jays. The injury had persisted through the prior season, requiring cortisone shots during the All-Star break and on Sept. 10. Caballero, acquired by the Yankees last season, has started 34 games at shortstop this year.
Caballero carries a .259 batting average, .306 on-base percentage, .405 slugging percentage and .711 OPS, with four home runs and 12 RBIs. Volpe hit .250 (11 for 44) over 13 rehab games, mostly with Double-A Somerset Patriots. In 153 games last season, Volpe batted .212/.272/.391 with a .663 OPS, 19 home runs, 72 RBIs and 19 errors at shortstop, third-most among major league shortstops.
The 2019 first-round pick debuted in 2023 as New York's starting shortstop, hitting 21 home runs with a Gold Glove award despite a .209 average. Volpe will gain at-bats and reps at Triple-A as the Yankees maintain their lineup during a strong start.
