URGENT UPDATE: The New York Yankees have made a significant lineup change ahead of their game against the Detroit Tigers on September 13, 2023. Shortstop Anthony Volpe has been benched for the second time this week, as the team shifts to a “day-to-day” strategy regarding his performance.
Volpe was seen on the field earlier in the day, working on his swing with hitting coach James Rowson just hours before the first pitch at Yankee Stadium. Despite this effort, Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided to start Jose Caballero at shortstop, indicating a potential trend as the season winds down.
“We’re in day-to-day mode,” Boone stated. “We’re playing for a lot right now, and I have a decision to make every day with the lineup.”
Boone emphasized that Volpe’s performance has been under scrutiny, as the Yankees enter the final stretch of the regular season with just 17 games remaining. The decision to bench Volpe could have lasting implications as the Yankees aim for a postseason spot.
Volpe’s struggles have been apparent this season, batting only .206 with 19 home runs and 70 RBIs across 141 games. His offensive metrics have dropped significantly, with a dismal 81 wRC+ that ranks him 141st out of 146 qualified hitters. Since June 25, his batting average plummeted to .171, raising concerns about his ability to contribute effectively.
Boone acknowledged the peaks and valleys in Volpe’s performance, stating, “The consistency hasn’t been there yet.” This inconsistency has compounded as Volpe’s defensive metrics also show regression, with a troubling -8 Outs Above Average, ranking him among the bottom of qualified shortstops.
Meanwhile, Caballero has emerged as a reliable alternative, boasting a .765 OPS and leading the majors with 43 steals. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, Caballero’s strong performance may lead to more playing time as the Yankees navigate this crucial period.
As the Yankees strive to reclaim their playoff position, Boone’s strategy will likely evolve day by day, making every game and lineup decision critical. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Volpe responds to this latest challenge, as the pressure mounts in the Bronx.
The Yankees will face the Tigers at 7:05 PM ET tonight, and every decision made could echo into the postseason. Stay tuned for updates on Volpe’s status and further developments from the Yankees as they push for a playoff berth.
