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Yankees Option Volpe to Triple-A After Rehab

5/6/2026

Summary

Volpe Optioned

The New York Yankees optioned shortstop Anthony Volpe to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 5, 2026.
Manager Aaron Boone said the decision follows player Jose Caballero’s .259 average, four homers, 12 RBIs and 13 steals.
Volpe hit .250 (11-for-44) with one homer in 13 rehab games after undergoing left-shoulder labrum surgery on Oct. 14, 2024.
The Yankees lead the American League 23-11.
Captain Aaron Judge called Volpe “my guy,” saying Volpe will be motivated.

Summary

McMahon Decision

Yankees must decide on Ryan McMahon’s $16 million 2026-2027 contract as his performance declines.
McMahon’s last 36 plate appearances yielded a .306/.306/.444 line with a 107 wRC+ while his season totals are –1 OAA and –3 DRS.
The club has not ruled out moving Volpe to third base despite his 33rd-percentile arm strength in 2025.
George Lombard Jr., a 20-year-old with a 55-grade arm, could cover third if needed.

Summary

Caballero Resets

Caballero said 40 at-bats in the April 10-12 Rays series let him reset confidence.
He now hits .316 with a .896 OPS, four homers and eight steals in his last 22 games.
His exit velocity is 83.7 mph, which ranks in the 3rd percentile.
Aaron Boone said “maybe” about regression.
Caballero said the club never discussed his role after Volpe’s demotion.

History

Historical Context

Ken Griffey Jr. missed the entire 2000 season after left-shoulder labrum surgery, a setback that echoed the Mariners’ 2009 rebuilding drive that brought him back nearly a decade after his 1999 trade. His career later featured a 400th home run as a pinch-hitter, illustrating how MLB clubs repeatedly juggle costly contracts and injury recoveries, a pattern seen again with the 2026 Yankees demoting Anthony Volpe.

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Volpe Optioned

The New York Yankees optioned shortstop Anthony Volpe to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 5, 2026.
Manager Aaron Boone said the decision follows player Jose Caballero’s .259 average, four homers, 12 RBIs and 13 steals.
Volpe hit .250 (11-for-44) with one homer in 13 rehab games after undergoing left-shoulder labrum surgery on Oct. 14, 2024.
The Yankees lead the American League 23-11.
Captain Aaron Judge called Volpe “my guy,” saying Volpe will be motivated.

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