Instead of heading to the Bronx to join the Yankees on Friday, Anthony Volpe was batting second for Double-A Somerset.
The team had left the possibility open for Volpe, who is coming back from offseason labrum surgery, to be activated before their game against the Orioles. However, Aaron Boone stated that the shortstop will remain in Somerset until the end of the weekend.
“Then we’ll kind of reevaluate where we are after Sunday,” said the manager.
By then, Volpe’s 20-day rehab clock will run out, giving the Yankees two options on Monday. They can either activate him or option him and keep him in the minors. The latter would mark a significant change from how they have handled Volpe previously, as Boone and Brian Cashman have consistently supported him despite three seasons of below-average offensive performance and a tough defensive showing in 2025 while he played through a labrum tear.
A few weeks ago, Cashman indicated that the plan was “always” for Volpe to reclaim his starting shortstop position – which he has held since debuting in 2023 – but mentioned that ultimately it would be Boone’s call. That was before José Caballero started making a strong case for himself at shortstop.
“Where we are right now in time, I don’t think it hurts to have some more runway for [Volpe],” Boone remarked. “Cabby is obviously playing very well for us. So I just want it to be a situation where we’re giving Anthony every chance to come in and be successful, but also taking note of what’s going on with our club as well.”
While Volpe, 25, entered Friday with a.303 average and a.717 OPS over 10 rehab games with 34 plate appearances across Double-A and Triple-A, Caballero posted a.267 average with a.713 OPS along with three home runs, 11 RBI and an impressive league-leading 12 stolen bases in 30 MLB games. The versatile player at age 29 has improved significantly at bat after a slow start; he has hit.338 with a.915 OPS including three homers, ten RBI and seven stolen bases over his last 18 games.
Caballero followed up by hitting a home run on Friday-a go-ahead solo shot into left field’s second deck during the second inning.
José Caballero gets the lead right back for the @Yankees 💪 pic. twitter. com/3q Mw YPWIT1
– MLB (@MLB) May 1, 2026
Even though Caballero’s quality contact metrics suggest he’s been somewhat fortunate and is using his speed effectively, he’s still produced results. That’s something Volpe hasn’t consistently achieved over his three seasons in the majors.
“It complicates it a little bit, clearly,” Boone acknowledged about Caballero’s impact while the Yankees sit at an impressive 20-11 start atop their division. “José has earned opportunities and been a key part of our club and part of our success here to start out this season.”
“One of the good things that’s happened for us as a team through spring training-and now early this season-is we have many good players competing for important roles within this club. José is part of that. We expect Anthony will also be part of that.”
Boone praised Caballero’s defense at shortstop too saying it’s “been arguably as good as anyone in the league.”
This stands in contrast to Volpe’s rough season defensively last year; entering Friday’s game, Caballero led all shortstops with six Defensive Runs Saved-Boone’s preferred public defensive metric-as well as two Outs Above Average and one Fielding Run Value.
Caballero mentioned that playing one position every day does help quite a lot-which he didn’t do much during his initial big league years-and noted he hasn’t had much chance to practice elsewhere.
If asked about where he feels most comfortable playing though? Caballero quickly responded “everywhere,” adding that he just wants to get into games regardless if it means having Volpe start while moving around daily himself.
“I’m fine,” said Caballero. “And if we win games, I’m more than happy.”
Cabrera also stated that management hasn’t shared any plans regarding playing time with him.
“That’s not my decision to make,” he said when questioned about keeping his starting role at shortstop. “I’m just here trying my best to help my team win-that’s all we’re focused on here.”
The question remains whether or not Volpe will soon get another chance to contribute positively towards Yankee victories.
Boone did mention that he believes Volpe is “ready” and added that this feeling has been communicated both by him and Cashman. Yet given how close Volpe is still shy from achieving full spring training reps alongside how well Caballero is doing currently means there’s no urgent need to rush back into action just yet.
A minor league demotion would certainly raise eyebrows come Monday though; less surprising now than only week or two prior however such action could delay free agency eligibility for Volpe from 2028 pushing it out till’ next year instead should additional time elapse spent down there in minors territory again altogether!
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