The New York Yankees just finished one of their most crucial stretches of the season, going 7-5 against 4 teams currently in playoff spots. Sitting 4 games behind the American League-leading Toronto Blue Jays and just 1.5 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox after Sunday’s loss, New York only has 13 games left to secure their spot in the postseason. At this point in the season, teams vying to play in October usually have their whole lineup set in stone, especially at important positions; but for the Yankees, who currently hold the first AL Wild Card spot, this is not the case.
Yankees Starting Shortstop Job Remains Undecided
The role of starting shortstop, relegated to Anthony Volpe for the whole season up to this point, may not be his for much longer. After manager Aaron Boone said last week that Volpe has been suffering from a partially torn labrum since May, the struggling 24 year-old has been on the bench in favor of trade deadline acquisition Jose Caballero.
The Case For Caballero
Though his numbers on the season are nothing to marvel at, Caballero is playing much better in pinstripes than he did with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 31 games thus far with New York, the Panama native is hitting .262/.352/.475 with 3 homers and 11 runs scored. He also has 46 stolen bases on the year (12 with the Yankees), which leads the entire league. He’s also a top-tier defender, posting a range of 5 outs above average (OAA) across three infield positions (mostly shortstop).
On the other hand, Volpe has perhaps unsurprisingly continued to struggle at the dish and in the field. His most recent appearance was on last Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers, in which he went 0-3 with 2 strikeouts. Even though he isn’t entirely to blame for his struggles (particularly the defensive ones), the fact remains that Caballero is clearly the better player, at least right now.
Too Much Faith (?)
All throughout Volpe’s disappointing year, the Yankees have been adamant that the young shortstop will get back on his feet and play like he did in last year’s postseason. It’s true that Volpe had a great October last year, batting .286 with an OPS of .815, 6 RBI’s and 5 stolen bases in 14 games. But, on the other hand, it’s hard to have that much faith in a player who is hitting .206 and strikes out 28% of the time, especially without having the excuse of “he plays great defense”.
Boone has made no indication thus far that Volpe’s job will be given to Caballero, at least not yet. The fact that he sat on the bench for their weekend series against the Red Sox likely stemmed from the media backlash that the team received after revealing the severity of Volpe’s injury, rather than coming from a loss of faith in him.
Next Man Up
The Yankees’ lineup has thrived this season, partially thanks to their “next man up” mentality. Trent Grisham, who was on the bench to begin the year, now has 30 homers. Ben Rice, who also didn’t get consistent playing time in the spring, now has 23 homers and a .807 OPS. Even their starting rotation, which has taken quite a few blows throughout as the season’s progressed, is as good as ever with Cam Schlittler filling in for (and perhaps outperforming) Clarke Schmidt.
Now, Caballero is stepping up in his new role in the Bronx. Unfortunate as it is for Volpe, it could be the motivation that he needs to get back on his feet; but then again, he could very well be the starting shortstop come October. Though no decision has been made yet, it’s quite clear right now which player gives the Yankees a better chance to win important games.
Main Photo Credits: John Jones-Imagn Images
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