What it means for Anthony Volpe as Jose Caballero returns to Yankees lineup
Anthony Volpe is being asked to work out at second base to increase his versatility as Jose Caballero returns from the IL.
NEW YORK – Jose Caballero was back in the Yankees’ lineup Friday night, with Anthony Volpe on the bench. This will be an interesting waltz at shortstop, conducted by manager Aaron Boone, who spoke with both players individually and insisted that they’ll each find playing time. “I’ll make the decision every day,’’ Boone said of his starting shortstop, prior to Friday's series opener against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays .
But the new wrinkle here is Volpe being asked to work out at second base “just to have an added layer of flexibility’’ on days when Volpe is not in the lineup,’’ Boone said. “Ready to go,’’ said Volpe, keeping his responses clipped following Friday’s batting practice. Volpe has limited experience at second base in the minors, but he’s willing to do what’s required.
“I don’t write the lineup. I’m ready to go,’’ Volpe said. “I’ll put my work in.
’’ Caballero spent the minimum 10 days on the injury list due to fractured right middle finger and Boone telegraphed that the speedy, self-assured Caballero would return to his regular role at shortstop. “Glad to get him back,’’ said Boone. “Hopefully he provides that spark that he does in a lot of different aspects of the game.