The New York Yankees announced on May 4 that José Caballero will serve as the team’s everyday shortstop after Anthony Volpe was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
This move comes as Caballero has been performing well both offensively and defensively. Over his last 16 games, he has collected 19 hits in 57 at-bats, hitting .333 with three home runs and five runs batted in. The Yankees have also praised his defensive abilities, noting he holds a +1 outs above average rating.
Manager Aaron Boone said Caballero’s recent plays have stood out for their consistency. “[Caballero’s defense] has been arguably as good as anyone in the league. That’s what I’m watching,” Boone said. “… He has been really steady.
“You go back to this road trip, the Boston series, 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.”
Volpe is returning from left shoulder surgery performed in October and has not yet played for the Yankees this season. Last year he posted a .212 batting average with a .272 on-base percentage and .391 slugging percentage along with 19 home runs but struggled defensively with -6 outs above average.
The decision signals confidence in Caballero’s current form while Volpe works to regain playing time following his recovery.
