SEATTLE — After beginning 139 straight video games, Anthony Volpe received his second time without work up to now eight video games on Tuesday.
The Yankees’ streaky shortstop was on the bench for Tuesday’s 11-2 series-opening win in opposition to the Mariners at T-Mobile Park, getting one other breather coming into the ultimate two weeks of the common season.
Oswaldo Cabrera began at shortstop in opposition to right-hander Bryan Woo, as supervisor Aaron Boone tried to maintain the utilityman sharp and get as many left-handed hitters as potential into the lineup in opposition to a pitcher that's particularly robust on righties.
For many of the season, although, whatever the opposing starter, Volpe had been a mainstay within the lineup — which is way deeper and higher when he's rolling.
But Volpe has been scuffling of late on the plate, the most recent swing in an up-and-down season offensively — although his protection at a essential place has continued to be robust, and he has performed the second-most innings of any participant within the majors, trailing solely Braves first baseman Matt Olson.
Volpe, 23, entered Tuesday 4-for-37 with one stroll and 12 strikeouts over his previous 11 video games, which left him batting .246 with a .664 OPS via 149 video games this yr (he has appeared in all however one of many Yankees video games).
Volpe’s season on the plate has principally been feast or famine, alternating between cold and hot stretches as he continues his growth on the large league degree.
After posting a 20/20 rookie season — during which his .666 OPS was the sixth-lowest amongst certified hitters — he made offseason changes to his swing to get again to the all-fields hitter he was within the minors. That paid rapid dividends, although it has not been a cure-all over the course of a protracted season.
“I’m confident he’ll work through it,” Boone mentioned Tuesday earlier than the collection started. “He’s been clearly up and down from that standpoint all through the season. He’s made some noticeable changes over the winter and into the season that’s had some good outcomes, however he’s had some struggles with it, too. I do really feel prefer it’s on his option to being an entire product — each time that's — as an offensive participant.
“But I feel like he can work through this and hopefully get on a good note going into what we hope is October baseball and beyond.”
Despite the inconsistency on the plate, Volpe’s protection has continued to be rock-solid for the Yankees, offering them robust worth.
Entering Tuesday, his 15 Outs Above Average ranked fourth amongst all shortstops. He has additionally been the Yankees’ finest baserunner — particularly earlier than the addition of Jazz Chisholm Jr. — swiping 26 baggage on the season.
Volpe’s means to get on base to be a risk to steal these bases, although, has fluctuated.
“I feel like physically, for as much as he has played at such a demanding position, he’s very much held up,” Boone mentioned. “Mentally, he’s one of many handful of men I don’t fear about dealing with no matter’s happening within the season, ups and downs. And clearly how necessary he's to us, to our protection, in the midst of the diamond.
“But there’s always some benefits this time of year in getting a day off your feet, especially coming out of the off day.”
