Yankees Option Volpe to Triple-A, Retain Caballero at Shortstop

The New York Yankees optioned shortstop Anthony Volpe to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on Sunday after his rehabilitation assignment concluded. Manager Aaron Boone cited Jose Caballero's strong performance at the position as a key factor. The decision came after the Yankees improved to the best record in the American League with an 11-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Volpe, the Yankees' first-round pick in the 2019 MLB draft, underwent left shoulder surgery on Oct. 14 following the team's postseason elimination by the Toronto Blue Jays. The injury had lingered through the prior season, requiring cortisone shots during the All-Star break and on Sept. 10. Caballero, acquired by the Yankees last season, has filled in effectively at shortstop during Volpe's absence.

Caballero has started 34 games at shortstop this season, batting .259 with a .306 on-base percentage, .405 slugging percentage and .711 OPS, including four home runs and 12 RBIs. Volpe hit .250 (11 for 44) over 13 rehabilitation games, primarily with Double-A Somerset Patriots. In 153 games last season, Volpe batted .212 with a .272 on-base percentage, .391 slugging percentage and .663 OPS, 19 home runs, 72 RBIs and 19 errors at shortstop.

Boone noted Caballero's play complicated Volpe's return. Volpe will gain at-bats and repetitions at shortstop in Triple-A as the Yankees maintain their lineup during their strong start.