Volpe on the Bench: Boone Prioritizes Performance in the Yankees
Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe was working on the field on Wednesday, practicing his swings before the game against the Detroit Tigers. The team’s hitting coach, James Rowson, supervised the session, offering feedback to the young player. However, in the announced starting lineup shortly after, Volpe’s name was not listed, being replaced by José Caballero for the second time in a week. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that this rotation could be more frequent in the final games of the regular season and in the postseason.The Yankees’ management has backed Volpe despite his struggles this season. Although his performance in last year’s postseason generated expectations, his offensive performance has not met projections. Volpe has hit 19 home runs and driven in 70 runs, but his batting average is only .206, with an on-base percentage of .268 and 140 strikeouts in 141 games. His wRC+ of 81 puts him in 141st place out of 146 qualified hitters. Since June 25, Volpe is batting .171 with an OPS of .573 in 63 games. In his career, his wRC+ is 84, ranking 94th out of 95 hitters with at least 1,500 plate appearances.We’re in day-to-day mode. We’re playing for a lot right now, and I have to make daily decisions about the lineup. I’ll make any difficult decision I feel is necessary. My hope is that he can get going to the point of being that player. Because I believe that when we’re at our best, he’s out there impacting us on both sides of the field and frees up Cabby to play a different role as well. But, that said, I’ll make a day-to-day decision.
Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
In addition to offensive struggles, Volpe has experienced a defensive regression. His -8 in Outs Above Average ranks him 23rd among 24 qualified shortstops. Gentleman, acquired on the trade deadline, has proven to be a consistent shortstop and leads the Major Leagues with 43 stolen bases. His performance, along with Volpe’s, has opened the door to changes in the lineup.The ups and downs have been there, and they’ve been there every year. We’re working really hard to try to shrink those gaps a little bit, so that there’s more consistency on the offensive side of the game.
Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
I feel like he deserves to play. Obviously, it’s been a tough stretch offensively here and it’s that time of year, everyone on board and I felt like that was the best decision for us today.
Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
