Yankees send Anthony Volpe to Triple-A rather than bringing him back up.

Yankees Face Decision on Anthony Volpe After Strong Start

The New York Yankees kicked off the season with an impressive 11-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, giving them the top record in the American League. However, the excitement was tinged with a significant decision regarding shortstop Anthony Volpe, who has become a divisive figure among fans since completing his rehab for shoulder surgery.

Jose Caballero, who joined the Yankees last season while Volpe was on the sidelines, has shown his value not only as a steady shortstop but also as a reliable pitcher in crucial situations. It’s clear he’s more than just a backup.

Given Caballero’s performance, the Yankees opted to send the 25-year-old Volpe to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders instead of reinstating him. Manager Aaron Boone commented before the game, “Caballero is maximizing his position and playing really well… That complicates things.”

This season, Caballero has participated in 34 games, maintaining a solid batting line with a .259 average, four home runs, and 12 RBIs. In contrast, Volpe managed an 11-for-44 showing (.250 average) during his 13 rehab games with the Double-A Somerset Patriots.

Volpe underwent shoulder surgery on October 14, shortly after the Yankees’ playoff exit at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays. His season was riddled with injuries, including multiple cortisone injections in his shoulder, which hampered his performance.

In his time with New York, Volpe played 153 games, posting a .212 average with 19 homers and a career-high 72 RBIs. However, inconsistency plagued him, leading to 19 errors—the third-most among major league shortstops. Drafted in the first round of the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft, he quickly rose through the minors and became the Yankees’ starting shortstop in 2023.

Even though he hit only .209 that season, the Yankees appreciated his potential. He was also nominated for the Gold Glove Award. Now, while it’s uncertain how long Volpe will remain in the minors, the Yankees are focused on maintaining their momentum.