Sat Sep 13 01:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is struggling offensively, leading to decreased playing time. Despite extra practice, he was benched in favor of Jose Caballero for the second time in a week. Manager Aaron Boone indicated this could become a more frequent decision as the team heads into the postseason, emphasizing the need to win. While the Yankees organization has consistently supported Volpe, his inconsistent performance, both offensively and defensively, has opened the door for Caballero to see more playing time. Volpe has struggled with consistency this season, and his defense has regressed. Caballero, acquired as a backup, has played well, making the shortstop position a day-to-day decision for Boone.

**News Article:**

**Volpe’s Struggles Lead to Bench Time as Yankees Eye Postseason**

**NEW YORK** – Anthony Volpe’s sophomore slump has landed him on the bench as the New York Yankees make a playoff push. The struggling shortstop was noticeably absent from the starting lineup Wednesday night against the Detroit Tigers, marking the second time in a week that manager Aaron Boone has opted to start Jose Caballero at shortstop.

Earlier in the day, Volpe was seen taking extra batting practice under the watchful eye of hitting coach James Rowson, but it wasn’t enough to secure his spot in the lineup. Boone indicated that this move could become more common as the season winds down.

“We’re in day-to-day mode,” Boone stated before Wednesday’s 11-1 loss. “We’re playing for a lot right now, and I have a decision to make every day with the lineup.”

Volpe, who had a promising postseason performance last year, has failed to live up to expectations this season. While he’s hit 19 home runs and driven in 70 runs, he’s batting a meager .206 with a .268 on-base percentage and has racked up 140 strikeouts.

The Yankees have steadfastly supported Volpe, but his inconsistencies have been glaring. This has opened the door for Caballero, acquired at the trade deadline, to step in. Caballero’s solid defense and serviceable .765 OPS have given Boone another option at shortstop.

“Just feel like he deserves to play some,” Boone said of Caballero. “Obviously, it’s been a tough stretch offensively here [for Volpe] and it’s just that time of year, all hands on deck.”

Volpe’s defensive performance has also taken a step back this season. After winning a Gold Glove as a rookie, he has struggled this season.

The Yankees are hoping Volpe can regain his form, but with the playoffs on the line, Boone is making decisions based on the team’s immediate needs. The shortstop position, once considered Volpe’s to own, is now a daily evaluation as the Yankees fight for a postseason berth.

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