Sunday’s game, which seemed set to be a highlight for Anthony Volpe, ended in a disappointing loss for the Yankees.
However, the significance of Volpe’s performance should extend beyond the 7-6 defeat at the hands of the Mets at Citi Field.
In his fourth appearance this season, following offseason shoulder surgery and losing his starting shortstop position to José Caballero, Volpe excelled. He went 2-for-3, drove in three runs, hit a double, and earned two walks.
Volpe appeared to clinch the game with a two-run single in the sixth inning, breaking a 1-1 deadlock. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn’t hold onto leads of 5-1 and 6-3, overshadowing his efforts.
“Incredible: That’s the guy we know,” said Aaron Judge. “He’s been our shortstop for the past couple of seasons because he steps up when it matters. He made some crucial plays, delivered significant hits, and showed patience at the plate in tough situations. With more at-bats, he’s returning to form after major shoulder surgery, so it takes a few games to adjust.”
“But I was definitely encouraged by what I saw today.”
Volpe, who collided with Max Schuemann as both tried to make a play on Carson Benge’s walk-off chopper over the mound in the bottom of the 10th, reached base in nine of his 13 plate appearances in the Subway Series, going 2-for-6 with seven walks — one of which came with the bases loaded Sunday to drive in another run in the seventh inning.
“I’m just trying to stay within myself, stay within my approach and put good swings on good pitches,” Volpe said. “Obviously, it fluctuates, but I just want to stay locked into that. Every day, that’s what I can control.”
Volpe cannot control that Caballero expects to miss only the minimum 10 days on the injured list with a fracture in his right middle finger — he is eligible to return Friday — and that manager Aaron Boone has already said he expects Caballero will get his starting job back when he returns.
But the 25-year-old Volpe at least has the opportunity to give the Yankees something to think about if he can show enough on both sides of the ball while Caballero is out.
Volpe’s first hit of the season came on a 104.5 mph double to the gap off Freddy Peralta in the second inning before he struck out in his second at-bat.
He delivered a two-run single off lefty Sean Manaea with the bases loaded in the sixth to put the Yankees ahead 3-1.
After walking in a run in the seventh, Volpe drew another 3-2 walk against Devin Williams in the top of the 10th, only for Austin Wells to follow by grounding into an inning-ending double play.
“Just trying to do my job and contribute in any way I can,” Volpe said. “I got some good pitches to hit and put some good swings on them.”