The New York Yankees have sent shortstop Anthony Volpe down to their Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre affiliate on Sunday, despite completing his rehabilitation assignment from shoulder surgery.
The 25-year-old infielder participated in 12 minor league games during his recovery – four at the Triple-A level and eight with Double-A Somerset – as he worked back from offseason surgery on his shoulder.
The decision comes as Jose Caballero has established himself as the team’s primary shortstop, leading the organization to avoid rushing Volpe back into action. This represents a shift from earlier statements by general manager Brian Cashman, who had indicated that “the plan” was for Volpe to reclaim his starting position.
Since breaking into the majors in 2023 following only 22 Triple-A appearances the previous year, Volpe earned the starting shortstop role during spring training and delivered an impressive rookie campaign with 21 home runs and a Gold Glove award. He appeared in 159 games that first season, followed by 160 in 2024 and 153 in 2025.
His 2025 performance showed decline in both offensive and defensive categories, and it was later disclosed that the Yankees had been playing him through a partial labrum tear in his left shoulder. The surgical procedure took place in October following the team’s playoff elimination.
Throughout his 472 major league appearances, Volpe has compiled a .222 batting average along with 52 home runs, 192 RBIs, 82 doubles and 70 stolen bases. During his recent rehab games, he posted a .275 average with one homer and six RBIs.
Defensively, he committed one error during his minor league stint, coming off a 2025 season where he tied for the American League lead with 19 errors.
Meanwhile, Caballero has solidified his position with the AL-leading Yankees (23-11), hitting .259 with four homers, 12 RBIs and 12 stolen bases across 32 games. His fielding percentage stands at .978.
Speaking before the Yankees’ series against Baltimore on Friday, manager Aaron Boone acknowledged that Caballero’s performance “complicates it a little bit, clearly” regarding Volpe’s potential return.
“Jose’s earned opportunities and been a key part of our club here and a part of the success here to start out the season,” Boone explained.
The 29-year-old Caballero joined the Yankees from division rival Tampa Bay in a trade deadline deal last summer and has demonstrated versatility by playing second base, third base and outfield positions.
