The Yankees’ listing of wants earlier than the July 31 commerce deadline is rising by the day.
Shortstop is not going to be one among them.
Anthony Volpe is within the midst of one other tough stretch within the third 12 months of his notoriously streaky huge league profession, however the Yankees have continued to double down on their religion in him, with Brian Cashman providing the newest vote of confidence on Wednesday.
“He’s our shortstop,” Cashman stated at Yankee Stadium whereas holding court docket after the membership designated DJ LeMahieu for project. “I don’t neglect the place he was and what he was doing on the largest stage of the sport final October. Regardless of the twists and turns of how his season is at the moment enjoying out, there’s numerous season left to be performed.
“I’m not counting him out. I know he’s going to be part of the solution rather than the problem.”
The 24-year-old Volpe, who hit .286 with a .815 OPS in 14 playoff video games final 12 months as one of many Yankees’ most constant bats on the way in which to the World Sequence, obtained off to a strong begin this season earlier than falling off of late.
Over his final 22 video games earlier than Wednesday, he was batting simply .115 (9-for-78) with a .426 OPS and 22 strikeouts. On the 12 months, he was batting .217 with a .686 OPS.
“He certainly can come join the [offensive] party sooner than later, and I believe he will,” Cashman stated. “I just have a high belief in him. But peaks and valleys are part of a six-month season. … I do not consider him a problem. I understand that there are struggles there, but I believe he’ll be fine.”
Volpe’s defensive metrics have additionally taken a step again this season, particularly from his Gold Glove season as a rookie in 2023.
When requested about that, Cashman first referenced Volpe being a “grinder” who has performed by issues — he injured his left shoulder on Might 3 and obtained hit by a pitch on his left elbow on June 6.
“I know he’s one of the better defensive shortstops in the game, but I also know that yeah, there’s times that hasn’t played out this year as much,” Cashman stated. “There’s in all probability numerous totally different explanation why. Him enjoying by issues, to have the ability to submit each day – that’s one other factor I like in regards to the man is he posts daily.
“I think he’ll be fine. I think we’ll be fine with him.”
