Shortstop Anthony Volpe will remain with Double-A Somerset through the weekend as he recovers from left shoulder surgery, according to a May 2 update from the New York Yankees. The team plans to reassess his status after Sunday.
The decision comes as the Yankees lead the American League East and José Caballero continues to perform well at shortstop. Volpe has posted a combined .303/.324/.394 batting line with one home run and three runs batted in during his rehab assignments at Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Manager Aaron Boone said, “It doesn’t hurt to have some more runway for [Volpe]. Caby is obviously playing well for us. I want it to be a situation where we are giving Anthony every chance to be successful and also taking note of what’s going on with our club, as well.” Boone added, “I feel like Anthony is in a pretty good spot and had a good rehab, especially over the last couple of months. He is now getting into games. We feel he is going to be a big part of this team. When that time comes, we want to give him the best opportunity to be successful.”
Caballero’s recent performance has created competition for playing time at shortstop. Over his past 15 games entering Friday’s matchup against Baltimore, Caballero hit .346 (18-for-52) with two home runs and five RBIs. Boone praised Caballero’s defensive contributions: “[Caballero’s defense] has been arguably as good as anyone in the league. That’s what I’m watching… He has been really steady… there were four plays in that series that didn’t necessarily have that flash to it, but if you take another look at [them], you say, ‘Another good play.’ He has played really well out there and has been an important part of us winning games here early in the season.”
In other injury news, pitcher Carlos Rodón will make another rehabilitation start at Triple-A after allowing one run over 5 1/3 innings for Somerset on Thursday; he could return soon or receive one additional minor league outing before rejoining New York’s rotation.
Outfielder Jasson Domínguez was reported improved following a left elbow contusion suffered Wednesday against Texas; CT scan results were negative and Boone said Domínguez could be available off the bench Friday against Baltimore: “We were holding our breath yesterday, but it came back clean,” Boone said. “He was much improved yesterday. Much improved today. We avoided something there. That’s good news.”
