UPDATE: The New York Yankees have officially benched shortstop Anthony Volpe for the second time in a week as they enter a critical stretch of the season. Just hours before their game against the Detroit Tigers on September 13, 2023, Volpe was seen working on his swing at Yankee Stadium, but his name was notably absent from the starting lineup.
This urgent decision comes as the Yankees face a make-or-break final 17 games of the regular season. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the need for strategic lineup choices, stating, “We’re in day-to-day mode. We’re playing for a lot right now, and I have a decision to make every day with the lineup.”
Volpe’s struggles have been hard to ignore. Despite hitting 19 home runs and driving in 70 RBIs this season, he is batting a dismal .206 with a .268 on-base percentage and an alarming 140 strikeouts in just 141 games. His 81 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) ranks him among the worst hitters in the league, at 141st out of 146 qualified players.
Boone acknowledged the challenges Volpe has faced, saying, “The peaks and valleys have been there and they’ve been there every year. We know it’s in there. But the consistency hasn’t been there yet.” This inconsistency has raised questions about Volpe’s future as the Yankees prepare for postseason aspirations.
In Volpe’s absence, Jose Caballero has taken the helm at shortstop. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, Caballero has shined both offensively and defensively, boasting a .765 OPS and leading the majors with 43 steals in 52 attempts. Boone stated, “Just feel like he deserves to play some…it’s just that time of year, all hands-on deck.”
The Yankees have continuously backed Volpe, with general manager Brian Cashman and Boone championing him through this challenging season. However, given the team’s current trajectory, the managerial staff is prioritizing immediate performance over potential.
This decision could have lasting implications as the Yankees seek to clinch a playoff spot. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Volpe can reclaim his spot as a key player, or if Caballero will solidify his role as the Yankees push for October baseball.
The Yankees’ next game is critical, and fans are eager to see how this lineup shake-up will impact the team’s performance. As the pressure mounts, every decision matters now more than ever.
