The New York Yankees are managing shortstop Anthony Volpe’s recent struggles carefully, opting to give him a day off this weekend after he entered Saturday’s game without a hit in his last 24 at-bats. Manager Aaron Boone announced that Volpe would likely sit out on Sunday instead of Saturday, despite his ongoing challenges at the plate.
Volpe struggled during the Yankees’ 5-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, resulting in his batting average dropping from .251 to .228. The decision to keep Volpe in the lineup on Saturday might stem from his favorable career batting average of .333 against Orioles starter Zach Eflin, placing the Yankees in a position where they hope he can regain his form.
Right fielder Aaron Judge, who recently experienced his own difficulties at the plate, advised Volpe to remain resilient during this tough stretch. “Keep going,” Judge suggested, emphasizing the importance of trusting oneself despite setbacks. Judge himself appeared to be turning a corner, going 3-for-4 with a home run in the previous game, raising his batting average to .371, the highest in the majors.
Boone noted that Volpe might be facing a mechanical issue that affects his performance and decision-making during at-bats. Since Volpe hasn’t taken a day off since May 4, and given how critical rest can be for performance, this planned off day may benefit him in the long run.
Meanwhile, Luke Weaver’s return to the mound after recovering from a hamstring injury did not go as the Yankees had hoped. In a crucial moment during the eighth inning, Weaver allowed two runs to the Orioles, which underscored the Yankees’ ongoing struggles with their pitching staff. Boone stated that Weaver and Devin Williams are expected to share closing duties as they navigate this relief pitching situation.
As the Yankees continue to face challenges, particularly with Volpe’s performance and their pitching staff, fans remain hopeful that adjustments and rest will lead to improved outcomes in upcoming games.