New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe will play this weekend with Double-A Somerset despite telling the team he is ready for the majors. Manager Aaron Boone said the team wants to ensure Volpe's success without rushing him back from shoulder surgery. The Yankees lead the AL East with José Caballero performing well at shortstop.
Anthony Volpe, recovering from left shoulder surgery in October, has informed the Yankees that he is prepared to return to Major League play. However, the team plans for him to continue with Double-A Somerset this weekend, followed by a re-evaluation after Sunday. Volpe has posted a .303/.324/.394 slash line, one homer, and three RBIs across Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season. The Yankees, currently first in the American League East, are cautious amid strong play from shortstop José Caballero, who is 18-for-52 (.346) with two homers and five RBIs over his last 15 games entering Friday's matchup against the Orioles. Caballero's defense has also impressed, with a +1 outs above average and standout plays, including four solid efforts against the Red Sox on a recent road trip. “It doesn’t hurt to have some more runway for [Volpe],” Boone said. “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.” Boone added that Volpe is in a good spot after a solid rehab and will be a key part of the team when the time is right. Separately, pitcher Carlos Rodón is nearing a return after allowing one run in 5 1/3 innings for Somerset on Thursday; he will make another rehab start in Triple-A. Outfielder Jasson Domínguez, who suffered a left elbow contusion Wednesday against the Rangers, showed improvement with a clean CT scan Thursday. “We were holding our breath yesterday, but it came back clean,” Boone said. The Yankees hoped to have him available off the bench Friday against the Orioles.