Yankees Experiment with Anthony Volpe at Third Base

The Yankees might want to consider Anthony Volpe for third base, especially if they want to avoid hit balls in that direction during the playoffs. On Friday, Volpe made his debut at third base in a game against the Orioles. Unfortunately, by the time the game ended with a 10-2 loss, he hadn’t had a genuine opportunity to make a play.

In fact, a ball did come his way in the ninth inning, but it hit the bag and soared over his head, leaving him with no chance to field it. Aside from that, Volpe didn’t see much action. Even if he plays there again on Sunday — weather permitting — Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged that the experience was still useful for Volpe. “Not a lot of action over there, but there’s something to be said for being in there and thinking through the situations,” Boone said, noting how Volpe also started at shortstop in the second game of the doubleheader.

While Volpe is unlikely to be the starter at third base for the playoffs, his recent experience could be an asset. It adds another layer of flexibility following his transition from shortstop to second base while playing at Triple-A. This could enhance the Yankees’ strategic options with pinch hitters and runners in the upcoming AL Wild Card Series against the Red Sox.

Volpe expressed comfort in the new position, crediting several teammates and coaches for their guidance as he got acclimated. “No matter where you play, you got to anticipate and know where you got to be. I feel like I’ve picked it up,” he said.

Before the doubleheader, the Yankees seemed to be holding informal tryouts for the postseason, as Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham faced pitcher Ryan Weathers. They were all aiming to demonstrate their readiness for the wild-card roster. Weathers threw one inning, around 20 pitches, marking his return after suffering a forearm injury last month. Boone noted his performance was promising, with good velocity and stuff.

Stanton, who has been sidelined for five months due to various calf strains, is also a contender for a roster spot as a pinch hitter. “Obviously, we’ll talk to G, see where he’s at, mentally and physically,” Boone mentioned, underscoring the real threat Stanton presents if he’s ready to contribute.

Grisham has been out for three weeks with a hamstring strain but remains in the mix as a potential fourth outfielder, possibly starting in center against right-handed pitchers. Boone indicated that Grisham has shown he is making progress and could be a viable option.

On Friday, the Yankees had a heavy workload with 18 innings across two games. However, they chose not to call up Carlos Lagrange for any of those innings, opting instead to promote Brendan Beck, Yerry de los Santos, and Alexander Cornielle to help manage their pitching staff before playoffs.

Lagrange was not ready to pitch after throwing live a couple of days prior, as the Yankees are being cautious due to his recent shoulder sprain. Boone explained, “He threw live two days ago, so he’s not in play right now. Could be down the road, but he’s not in play yet.”

With Sunday’s game potentially affected by a nor’easter and plans to call up Elmer Rodríguez if the game goes ahead, Lagrange is unlikely to see action in a regular-season game. In a separate development, Fernando Cruz was moved to the 60-day injured list, effectively ruling him out of the postseason. Boone also mentioned he’s unsure about Aaron Judge’s status concerning his calf strain.