Yankees’ Anthony Volpe expected to begin rehab assignment in Double-A next week

Anthony Volpe continues to progress his way back to the Yankees . The slugging shortstop took live BP at extended spring training again on Friday morning, and he’s expected to take the next step in his progression as soon as next week. Volpe is currently penciled in to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday in Double-A.

While this is an encouraging step, Volpe is likely looking a lengthy time in the minors, as he hasn’t appeared in a game since undergoing shoulder surgery last October. If all goes well, we could potentially see him back in the mix in early May. New York has been leaning on Jose Caballero and Ryan McMahon at times to fill in at shortstop in his absence.

While Volpe struggled on both sides of the ball the last time we saw him, the duo hasn’t stepped up to fill the void. McMahon and Caballero have a combined seven hits in 66 at-bats so far. Despite Volpe's down season, the organization has continued to voice belief in his turning things around and returning to the form he showed during his strong rookie year.