The New York Yankees may have a new plan for former starting shortstop Anthony Volpe's future. After months of struggles both offensively and defensively in MLB, the Yankees optioned Volpe on Aug. 4. It was the second time he has been optioned this season, but this time around, the Yankees called up their No. 1 overall prospect, shortstop George Lombard Jr.
Like Volpe had done during the early days of his MLB career in 2023, Lombard Jr. immediately impressed fans. He homered in his MLB debut and made defensive plays at shortstop that Volpe previously struggled to make. Many fans believed Lombard Jr. was the Yankees' next superstar shortstop, which would not be good news for Volpe's future with the organization.
Volpe has primarily played shortstop throughout his entire professional career. But on Saturday, Volpe started at third base for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. It was the first time Volpe had played third base since he made three starts at the position with Single-A Tampa in 2021.
Volpe has never played third base in an MLB game. José Caballero has been playing third base for the Yankees since All-Star third baseman Ryan McMahon has been out with a left thumb sprain. McMahon, who has been on the 10-day IL since Aug. 21, started a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset on Saturday and is expected to return when MLB rosters expand to 28 players on Monday.
Therefore, the Yankees do not currently need a third baseman. But experimenting with Volpe at third base will increase his versatility and could help earn him a spot back on the Yankees' big league roster.
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