Yankees’ Anthony Volpe Set for Return as Starting Shortstop

As the Yankees arrived in Tampa for a weekend series against the Rays, they welcomed back shortstop Anthony Volpe, who has been rehabbing from offseason labrum surgery. Volpe spent an extended period at the team’s complex, and the time for a rehab assignment is approaching. He could be ready as early as Tuesday after a final check-up with the team physician. When asked about Volpe’s role upon his return, general manager Brian Cashman indicated that the plan has always been for him to resume his position as the starting shortstop. “That’s always been the plan,” Cashman stated, although he acknowledged that the ultimate decision lies with the manager.

While Volpe’s return seems imminent, José Caballero had the opportunity to stake his claim to the starting role during Volpe’s absence. However, his performance has been disappointing, with a .135/.200/.162 batting line that has not inspired confidence. With the Yankees struggling at the bottom of the lineup, Volpe’s early-season contributions could be crucial in reclaiming his spot and boosting the team’s offense.

This season has already showcased the ups and downs of the Yankees, who started with a league-best 7-1 record, only to falter with a 1-4 skid, including three straight losses. The early results suggest that the team may fall somewhere between those two extremes, but glaring weaknesses have become apparent as statistics stabilize.

In other news, the average salary for MLB players has risen again this year, hitting a record $5.34 million, a 3.4 percent increase from 2025. This growth reflects a steady recovery in the league’s financial landscape post-pandemic. However, the disparity in spending has also widened, with six teams exceeding $250 million in payroll and eight spending under $100 million. While the median salary has slightly increased to $1.4 million, it remains below the record set in 2015. As a potential lockout looms after this season, these financial trends will shape the negotiations between the union and team owners.

Additionally, former Yankee Mike Ford has transitioned to a front office role with the Tampa Bay Rays, signaling his likely retirement from playing after a season in Japan. Ford had a standout performance with the Yankees in 2019, but his subsequent seasons saw diminished roles. Now, he is set to work with the Rays’ minor league players in an undefined capacity, marking a new chapter in his baseball career.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.