The Yankees’ starting shortstop, had a significant injury scare in Thursday night’s 9-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Volpe, who has played 115 games this season, fouled a ball with his left foot, sending him sprawling to the floor. He clearly felt discomfort right away, and the Yankees had to pull him out of the game early for imaging.
The Yankees Dodged a More Serious Injury
Fortunately, Volpe’s x-rays came back clear, providing relief that the injury is not significant. However, it may result in a shiny bruise that lasts several days. Given the nature of the injury and the Yankees’ intention to rest him, Volpe is unlikely to play on Friday. They will face the Texas Rangers, and they may move Oswaldo Cabrera to shortstop.
Fortunately, Volpe was in “good spirits,” according to manager Aaron Boone following the game.
“He’s in pretty good spirits right now,” Boone explained. “We’re treating it like a contusion. Hopefully, everything is fine, and he is back out there.”
This season, Volpe is hitting.257/.304/.401, with 11 home runs, 45 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. After the All-Star break, the Yankees’ young shortstop is hitting.320 with a.587 slugging rate, finally finding his groove and pushing up the pace, the injury could not have come at a worse moment.
A Defensive Maestro
Defensively, the 23-year-old is one of the best shortstops in the game, with a.974 fielding percentage, four defensive runs saved, and 12 more outs than average. I completely expect either Cabrera or Jazz Chisholm to play shortstop, with the former being the more likely option.
This season, the 25-year-old utility guy is hitting.243, with eight home runs and 34 RBIs. He’s been a reliable backup option, and this is the precise scenario in which Boone calls on him to fill a gap.
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