HOUSTON — Anthony Volpe had the second-lowest on-base percentage of the 134 batters eligible for major league baseball last season, at .283.
The Yankees shortstop is off to a good start in fixing that in his second season.
Volpe reached base in four of his five at-bats in the opening game, including a walk in the third inning to spark two rallies, as the Yankees defeated the Astros 5-4 at Minute Maid Park on Thursday. This included getting on base.
“I think he looks like a better hitter,” manager Aaron Boone said.
It was the first time in Volpe’s young career that he had three walks in one game.
In the second inning, he got on base with a walk, and in the second, reliever Seth Martinez forced a score from third base, pulling the Yankees within 4-3 in the fifth inning.
Volpe, who officially went 2-for-1 in six holes, spent the offseason working to even out his swing, and the results showed when he took a back shot to center field in his first at-bat.
But most of his accomplishments Thursday came from not swinging and instead taking a patient approach at the plate.
“[Volpe’s at-bats] It embodies what we want to be,” Boone said. “He was great. Every at-bat, even the punch-outs. [in his last at-bat]… He was timely, had tough at-bats, and played the way we’ve seen him play. ”
Shortly after Wednesday’s trade, John Barty touched down and arrived at the Yankees’ team hotel at 2 a.m. Thursday.
Instead of throwing the new infielder into the lineup right away, Boone gave him a day to catch his breath, and Berti watched from the dugout as third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera hit a game-tying home run.
“I just want it [Berti] It’s about adapting as best you can,” Boone said before the game. “Hopefully today will help calm him down a little bit and then we can be active.”
Berti received word of the trade from Marlins manager Skip Shoemaker during practice in Miami on Wednesday. He wasn’t expecting it, but he took it in stride, and about 24 hours later he was wearing his new uniform with the number 19 on his back.
“It was just a whirlwind of emotions,” Berti said. “I am very excited to be coming to such a prestigious organization.”
Berti believes DJ LeMahieu will have steady activity at third base during outings and then move around, with Boone calling Bertie a “super utility player up front.”
“I talked to a lot of people in the National League, and people in the National League East were really excited about him leaving that division,” Boone said. “So I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do for us.”
Berti said he is ready for whatever the Yankees ask.
“I’m just going to play the game hard, play the game the right way and do whatever I can to help this team win,” he said.
yankees I completed the roster on Thursday morning.right-handers Nick Vardy and Clayton Beater guarded the final two spots in the bullpen, while Jamai Jones secured the final spot on the bench.
The Yankees only had to clear a 40-man roster spot for Burdi (Bieter and Jones were already there) and accomplished that by placing Gerrit Cole on the 60-day disabled list.
This means the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner will be out until at least May 27, which is close to the best-case scenario for him to return from nerve inflammation and swelling in his right elbow. Ta.
Cole could start pitching as early as next week.
“We’re excited with the hope that Gerrit may come back to us someday,” Boone said. “I know his rehabilitation is progressing well so far.”
Lewis Gil threw 75 pitches during a live batting practice session Wednesday at Minute Maid Park, his final conditioning before starting Monday’s game against the Diamondbacks.
What does Boone remember about his first Opening Day game in 1998?
“I remember [Reds owner] “Marge Schott had a giant elephant on the field, and about 15 minutes before the game, it was making giant moves on the grass in front of the dugout,” Boone said. “It actually helped calm me down.”
