Baseball

Yankees’ Volpe to Learn Second Base as Judge Seeks Offensive Revival

by
Kenji Tanaka
May 23, 2026

In a strategic move, the Yankees have decided to retain Anthony Volpe as insurance with José Caballero returning from a fractured finger. Manager Aaron Boone announced that Volpe will begin drills at second base to enhance his versatility, a decision that reflects the team’s adaptability in a competitive season.

Boone emphasized that the choice of starting shortstop will be determined on a nightly basis, with Caballero taking the reins for Friday’s opener against the Rays. While Volpe’s training at second base is underway, Boone confirmed there are no immediate plans for him to transition to third base.

Meanwhile, Aaron Judge stepped onto the field against the Rays with just one hit—a single—in his last five games, spanning 21 plate appearances. Acknowledging his recent struggles, Judge cited pitch selection as a key factor in his performance. “I’m not doing enough at the plate,” he admitted. “I wouldn’t say we’re not seeing the ball well. I think it’s about making sure we’re swinging at the right pitches.”

In a much-anticipated season debut, Gerrit Cole delivered an impressive performance on Friday, throwing six scoreless innings against the Rays. Although he recorded only two strikeouts, Cole allowed just two hits and three walks, showcasing his efficiency with only 72 pitches. This dominant outing signals a powerful return for the veteran ace, further strengthening New York’s already formidable rotation. However, the Yankees’ offense will need to step up to capitalize on Cole’s efforts.

In related news, Giancarlo Stanton’s absence has been felt since April 25, when he suffered a calf strain. According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, Stanton is set to be examined this coming week to assess his readiness to resume running. While he has been hitting, a return to play hinges on his ability to run, and Boone hinted that Stanton might skip a rehab assignment if cleared to return.

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

Kenji Tanaka

Kenji Tanaka is an experienced sports journalist who brings an analytical approach to his coverage of baseball and martial arts. With a deep respect for tradition and a keen interest in the evolving dynamics of sports, Kenji's work reflects a balance between reverence for the past and excitement for the future. At 21Sports.com, his articles are a blend of rich cultural insights and sharp analysis. In his free time, Kenji enjoys practicing kendo and exploring culinary adventures.