Yankees Shortstop Struggles Continue

After perhaps a week on the road, the focus is still on helping Anthony Volpe break out of his slump at Yankee Stadium.

Following a lackluster performance in a 11-2 win against the Nationals on Wednesday, Volpe was booed by fans. This marked his ongoing hitless streak, extending to 25 plate appearances.

“We’re all human,” said Aaron Judge, reflecting on Volpe’s current mindset. “It’s about how you respond. Do you let it get to you negatively, or do you push yourself to do better? It should motivate you.”

The recent struggles came on the heels of Volpe being benched for two games over the weekend, a decision made by the coaching staff. He did make a notable effort on Tuesday, hitting a 106 mph drive, but still faced challenges on Wednesday with three strikeouts and limited success on defense.

At present, his batting average has dropped to .206 and his OPS sits at a season low of .662. Yankees manager Aaron Boone pointed out that Volpe hasn’t seemed to find his typical rhythm at the plate, though he noted improvements in his defensive skills during this tough stretch.

In his latest outing, Volpe’s attempts included soft hits and challenges against a 95 mph sinker from Jackson Rutledge. Giancarlo Stanton, who has faced his own struggles, weighed in on the mental strains of the game. “The most difficult part during a slump is the mental aspect,” he mentioned, emphasizing the need for a simplified approach.

Volpe, positioned low in the Yankees’ lineup alongside struggling teammates Austin Wells and rookie Ryan McMahon, has the support of the team. Luckily, other players have stepped up to fill the gap during his tough times.

“The key is not to overthink things,” Judge reiterated. “Focus on the game, and try to block out the distractions.”

As the Yankees prepare for a four-game series against the White Sox, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Volpe. “He’s handling it as best he can,” Stanton commented. “He works harder than anyone, and we’re all here for him.”