Yankees Option Anthony Volpe to Triple-A, Stick with Caballero at Shortstop

Volpe was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on April 27, 2025, after completing a 20-day rehab assignment for offseason left shoulder surgery. Though physically cleared to return, the Yankees chose to keep José Caballero as their starting shortstop.

Roster Moves and Rationale

Manager Aaron Boone cited José Caballero's strong performance as the deciding factor. Caballero, acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, has started at shortstop since April 10. Through 124 plate appearances this season, he is batting .259/.306/.405 with four home runs, 13 stolen bases, and a 99 wRC+. He leads all American League shortstops in Defensive Runs Saved (7).

Boone stated that Caballero has "earned some opportunities" and that the organization values having "real competition for real spots." General Manager Brian Cashman had noted on April 10 that the plan was "always" for Volpe to reclaim the starting job, but Boone said the team will continue to evaluate.

Anthony Volpe's Background and Performance

Volpe won the starting shortstop role out of spring training in 2023 and earned an AL Gold Glove that season. Over his three-year MLB career, he has posted a .222/.283/.379 batting line with 52 home runs across 1,886 plate appearances (85 wRC+). His defense declined in 2025 while he played through a partially torn left labrum.

During his rehab assignment, Volpe played 13 games across Double-A and Triple-A, hitting .250 with a .624 OPS. Since his option, he played one game for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on April 29, going 2-for-4 with a double.

Potential Future Role and Service Time

The Yankees have stated that Volpe is expected to play shortstop for the RailRiders. Boone left open the possibility of Volpe playing other infield positions—second base and third base—to increase versatility, especially with Jazz Chisholm Jr. approaching free agency.

Top prospect George Lombard Jr., recently promoted to Triple-A, will continue to gain experience at second, third, and shortstop.

Service time considerations may shift if Volpe spends another 20 days in the minors, potentially pushing his free agency eligibility from 2028 to 2029.

Boone acknowledged there are no guarantees for Volpe's return, stating that opportunities depend on circumstances beyond Volpe's control. Volpe commented, "I don't know. There are things I can control [and] things I can't. I'm ready to go here."

Team Context

The Yankees entered this period with a 23-11 record, first place in the American League. The team has made several other roster moves this season, including demoting Luis Gil, promoting Elmer Rodríguez, keeping Ryan McMahon on a short leash, giving Ben Rice consistent at-bats against left-handers, and designating Randal Grichuk for assignment.

In a related game, Ben Rice hit his 12th home run of the season in the first inning but later sustained a hand contusion while fielding a pickoff attempt in the third. X-rays were negative, and he is considered day-to-day.