Yankees Rework Shortstop Duties After Caballero’s Return

Jose Caballero returned to the Yankees after a fractured right middle finger landed him on the 10-day IL. He started at shortstop in the Friday opener versus the Tampa Bay Rays, while Anthony Volpe, recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, began working out at second base on days he does not start at shortstop. Manager Aaron Boone said both will share shortstop duties and the lineup will be adjusted daily based on performance and health.

ESPN

Caballero injured his finger diving back to first base at Milwaukee on May 10, entered the IL, and returned for the May 20-21 opener. Volpe debuted on May 13 after shoulder surgery. At the same time, Spencer Jones was optioned to Triple-A, Jasson Domínguez went on the IL with a left-shoulder sprain, and Gerrit Cole returned from elbow surgery.

ESPN

Caballero entered with a .259/.320/.400 line, four homers, 13 RBIs and 13 steals in 41 games, a .720 OPS. Volpe, in eight starts, batted .217 with a .704 OPS, five hits in 23 at-bats, seven walks and two steals.

ESPN

Boone told reporters the situation “won’t be perfect every day” but that both players “can play vital roles in us winning games.” He said Volpe’s limited experience at third base makes him “not too worried” about using him at second, and added, “I probably wouldn’t put him over at third up here.”

Newsday

Analysts note Volpe’s limited professional exposure at second base—only one game each at Single-A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley in 2021, plus five spring-training appearances in 2023—as a defensive risk. Boone’s caution about not moving him to third reflects that concern.

ESPN

• “As I've told them each, it's not going to be the perfect scenario every single day. You may like or not like a decision on a given day, but the end of the day we're all working for the same thing,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager

ESPN

• “Both guys are going to play. Cabby's versatility comes into play now again with Anthony here,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager

ESPN

• “I probably wouldn't put him over at third up here.” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager

ESPN

• “If I get in there, I’ll be ready to go.” — Anthony Volpe, Yankees shortstop

Newsday

The arrangement lets the Yankees keep key players while covering injuries to Giancarlo Stanton and Jasson Domínguez. Defensive flexibility may prove decisive as New York pursues the AL East lead.

Anthony Volpe Facing Career Change After Yankees Decision

One source described the opener opponent as “AL-best Tampa Bay,” while another named the “Tampa Bay Rays.” Both refer to the same team.

ESPN

The Yankees will meet the Rays Saturday, with Boone likely rotating Caballero and Volpe. Stanton’s calf will be evaluated next week, and Domínguez’s shoulder will be monitored before a possible return.

Anthony Volpe Facing Career Change After Yankees Decision