Yankees To Place José Caballero On IL, Recall Anthony Volpe

The Yankees are inserting infielder Jose Caballero on the ten-day injured checklist with a finger harm. Shortstop Anthony Volpe will likely be recalled because the corresponding transfer. Francys Romero of BeisbolFR first reported on Volpe’s recall. Jorge Castillo of ESPN confirmed that Caballero could be positioned on the IL.

Thought Max Schumann is the beginning shortstop immediately, Volpe will presumably take over because the membership’s common at that spot with Caballero on the shelf. That was the best way issues have been presupposed to play out earlier this 12 months. Volpe was the Yankee shortstop from 2023 by way of 2025. Volpe required shoulder surgical procedure in October of final 12 months and was going to start the 2026 season on the IL. The Yankees deliberate to have Caballero, who had principally been a utility participant, maintain down the place till Volpe was wholesome.

But the plans appeared to vary as Caballero performed properly and Volpe did not storm out of the gates after getting again on the sector. Caballero has produced a .259/.320/.400 line this 12 months, adequate for a 105 wRC+. He has additionally acquired robust grades for his protection and stolen 13 bases.

The Yanks determined to trip the recent hand and persist with Caballero. Volpe had begun a rehab project in mid-April. Rehab assignments for place gamers include a 20-day most. When Volpe’s 20 days have been up a bit over per week in the past, the Yanks optioned him to Triple-A for extra reps. Caballero harm his finger sliding right into a base this week. It’s unclear how a lot time he’s anticipated to overlook however it’ll result in Volpe getting again to the majors.

Perhaps it is going to be an opportunity for Volpe to re-cement himself because the membership’s shortstop, one thing that has turn out to be a bit extra cloudy recently. He made the membership’s Opening Day roster in 2023 simply earlier than his twenty second birthday. He hit 21 dwelling runs, stole 24 bases and obtained good grades for his protection. Despite the house runs, his general offense was subpar. He slashed .209/.283/.383 for a wRC+ of 83. But that was held again by a .259 batting common on balls in play. Given his youth and poor luck, it was truthful to count on development.

That hasn’t performed out, sadly. Volpe slashed .229/.283/.377 over 2024 and 2025, translating to a wRC+ of 85. In 18 minor league video games this 12 months, he has a .221/.276/.294 line and 52 wRC+. After present process shoulder surgical procedure, a little bit of rust is probably not stunning however it’s persevering with a pattern of subpar offense.

The Yankees are 26-16 whereas most American League golf equipment are beneath .500, so they need to be high quality even when Volpe struggles within the subsequent few weeks. There could also be long-term implications, nevertheless. George Lombard Jr. is among the membership’s prime prospects and has reached Triple-A, so he may very well be pushing for an enormous league promotion sooner or later. There’s additionally the truth that second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. is an impending free agent.

With just a few issues up within the air on the subject of the center infield, the Yankees will finally should make some selections about the best way ahead. Volpe has a full slate of choices and may very well be despatched again down sooner or later however the Yankees would additionally prefer it if he performs properly sufficient to stay round.

For Volpe’s gaining energy, the short recall is probably important. He got here into this 12 months with precisely three years of huge league service time. He continued racking up service days whereas on the IL however that clock stopped when he was optioned. It will now begin ticking once more.

The large league season is 187 days lengthy however a participant solely wants 172 days of service to be credited with a full 12 months. Since Volpe was solely optioned on May third, 9 days in the past, he might nonetheless get to the four-year mark if he stays up for the remainder of the 12 months. Although if he is optioned once more and finally ends up wanting that four-year line, his path to free company will likely be delayed by a 12 months.

Photo courtesy of Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images