3:15pm: Boone spoke to the media earlier than tonight’s sport and offered extra particulars, per Brendan Kuty of The Athletic and Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Boone confirmed the report of the cortisone shot and stated Volpe has a small labrum tear in his shoulder. When the damage was found in Could, they believed it was an outdated damage that he may play by means of. He has since aggravated it a number of occasions, together with on Sunday. He additionally had a cortisone shot through the All-Star break, per Kuty. The Yanks don’t imagine he wants an IL stint now. He may have one other MRI after the season.
11:05am: Anthony Volpe has been the Yankees’ common shortstop for shut to 3 years now. Currently, he has struggled sufficient that José Caballero has taken some enjoying time. It’s doable that well being is enjoying a job in Volpe’s downturn. He injured his left shoulder again in early Could. In the present day, Joel Sherman of The New York Put up reviews that the shoulder discomfort has lingered since then and Volpe obtained a cortisone shot in that shoulder yesterday.
On the time of that damage, Volpe stated he heard a “pop” in his shoulder however shortly felt higher. “It occurred fast and it was scary, however after that, I felt OK and I felt like I had my power,” Volpe stated on the time. “I’ve by no means actually had the rest pop or dislocate or something like that, so I’ve nothing to check it to.”
Within the wake of Sherman’s report immediately, Greg Joyce of The New York Put up provides that the Yankees have persistently downplayed the shoulder damage though Volpe is often wrapped up in ice after most video games. Simply yesterday, supervisor Aaron Boone disregarded the issue, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.
“I feel early on after that, possibly slightly bit,” the skipper stated, when requested if Volpe’s shoulder has been impacting his efficiency. “I feel it’s one thing that’s additionally improved over the course of the 12 months. I really feel like, even these days, it’s been in nearly as good of a spot because it’s been. I don’t essentially suppose that’s the case, however he’s additionally a really robust child and a gamer. I don’t suppose so, however I suppose shouldn’t rule it out.”
As famous by Sherman, there’s a stark distinction between Volpe’s pre- and post-pop numbers. On Could 4th, he had a .233/.326/.442 batting line. That translated to a 114 wRC+, indicating he was 14% higher than league common at that time within the season. Since then, he has a .197/.248/.378 line and 70 wRC+.
It’s additionally doable that the damage is impacting Volpe defensively. He was credited with 15 Defensive Runs Saved in 2023 and 6 final 12 months however is at only one right here in 2025. Outs Above Common is much more notable. That metric gave Volpe a +1 grade in 2023 and +14 final 12 months however has dropped him all the best way to -9 right here in 2025. Volpe made eight throwing errors in 2023 and 9 final 12 months however already has 13 in 2025, in a smaller pattern of enjoying time.
Regardless of the declining numbers, Boone has caught by Volpe. A few weeks in the past, the skipper stated that he nonetheless thought of Volpe to be the membership’s shortstop whereas Caballero was thought of a “tenth man” who may bounce round to numerous positions in a utility capability.
Extra not too long ago, it’s doable there’s been a shift. Caballero has began rather than Volpe in two of the previous 5 video games. It’s doable the cortisone shot results in Volpe lacking some extra time, as gamers often require a couple of days’ relaxation after receiving such injections.
On the one hand, it’s considerably encouraging that Volpe’s struggles have a doable clarification. Then again, it’s a lower than splendid scenario at the moment of 12 months when each sport is significant. The Yanks presently maintain a Wild Card spot however they’re in a good battle with golf equipment just like the Crimson Sox, Mariners, Rangers, Guardians, Royals and Rays. The Yanks are additionally absolutely hoping to chase down the Blue Jays for the division lead, presently trailing by simply three video games.
Sending Volpe to the injured listing or just sitting him for a couple of video games may maybe assist his shoulder woes a bit however that would depart the membership a bit thinner at shortstop as they play significant video games. There would even be the danger of Volpe getting rusty after a layoff and never having time to get into a greater groove.
For now, it appears Caballero may benefit from a bit extra enjoying time. He has a strong .239/.345/.413 line since being acquired on the deadline however he has a profession .226/.313/.335 slash and 89 wRC+. Even when his hitting is subpar, his glovework is sweet and he’s one of many high base stealers within the majors. If Volpe does require a stint on the IL, the Yanks may maybe recall Braden Shewmake to function a glove-first backup to Caballero.
Photograph courtesy of John Jones, Imagn Photos
