NEW YORK — The New York Yankees are hopeful about the return of their shortstop, Anthony Volpe, for the start of Monday’s series against the San Diego Padres, after he was absent in Sunday’s 7-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Volpe sustained an injury to his left shoulder while diving for a ground ball late in the eighth inning on Saturday, during a narrow defeat to the Rays, which ended 3-2.
“There’s still uncertainty regarding his availability,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone, “but Anthony is optimistic about being able to play.” Volpe remained in the game following his attempt to backhand Christopher Morel’s eighth-inning single, which initiated a two-run rally favoring Tampa Bay. Boone provided an injury update before Sunday’s game, saying, “The X-rays and MRI came back positive. He’s a bit sore, but it seems like we’re in a decent position. It’s day-to-day for him at this stage.”
Following Saturday’s game, Volpe mentioned hearing a noise in his shoulder. “The situation isn’t completely clear right now,” Boone explained. “There’s some pre-existing issues they observed, so it’s hard to pinpoint everything,” he added, acknowledging that Volpe’s shoulder was bothering him that day. Despite taking dry swings in the trainer’s room, Boone opted against using him as a pinch hitter in the following game.
Anthony Volpe, who just celebrated his 24th birthday, is batting .233 this season, contributing five homers, 19 RBIs, and four stolen bases in his third year with the Yankees. In his stead, Oswald Peraza filled the shortstop role on Sunday, recording one hit in three at-bats, though his error led to an unearned run against the Yankees.
The team is grappling with multiple injuries at present, including second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. with a strained right oblique, third baseman DJ LeMahieu who is sidelined with a strained left calf, ace pitcher Gerrit Cole recovering from Tommy John surgery, and right-hander Luis Gil managing a right lat strain. Luis Gil was crowned the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year. The Yankees will be watching closely and hoping for the best as they push to maintain their competitive edge in the league despite these setbacks.