NEW YORK -- Even though he told the Yankees he is ready to play in the Major Leagues, shortstop Anthony Volpe will continue to play with Double-A Somerset this weekend. The team will then re-evaluate their plans for Volpe after Sunday.
Considering that they are in first place in the American League East and José Caballero is playing well at short, the Yankees don’t want to rush Volpe, who is making his way back from the left shoulder surgery he underwent in October. He has a combined slash line of .303/.324/.394 with a homer and three RBIs for Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
“It doesn’t hurt to have some more runway for [Volpe],” manager Aaron Boone said. “Caby is obviously playing well for us. I want it to be a situation where we are giving Anthony every chance to be successful and also taking note of what’s going on with our club, as well.
“I feel like Anthony is in a pretty good spot and had a good rehab, especially over the last couple of months. He is now getting into games. We feel he is going to be a big part of this team. When that time comes, we want to give him the best opportunity to be successful.”
When Volpe returns to the big leagues, the Yankees will find themselves in a difficult situation because Caballero has been one of the team’s hottest hitters. In his past 15 games entering Friday’s action against the Orioles, Caballero is 18-for-52 (.346) with two homers and five RBIs.
The Yankees also love Caballero’s defense. His outs above average is +1. Boone talked about plays Caballero recently made against the Red Sox.
“[Caballero’s defense] has been arguably as good as anyone in the league. That’s what I’m watching,” Boone said. “ … He has been really steady. You go back to this road trip, the Boston series, there were four plays in that series that didn’t necessarily have that flash to it, but if you take another look at [them], you say, ‘Another good play.’ He has played really well out there and has been an important part of us winning games here early in the season.”
Rodón close to the big leagues
After watching Carlos Rodón allow a run in 5 1/3 innings for Somerset on Thursday, Boone said the left-hander will get another rehab start, this time in Triple-A. Rodón could then return and pitch for the Yankees or get one more rehab start.
Rodón hasn’t pitched one Major League inning this season as he recovers from surgery to remove a bone spur in his left elbow. He was one of New York’s top pitchers last season, going 18-9 with a 3.09 ERA and 203 strikeouts.
Domínguez improving
Outfielder Jasson Domínguez, who suffered a left elbow contusion after being hit by a pitch on Wednesday against the Rangers, is improving. A CT scan was taken in New York on Thursday and the results were negative.
“We were holding our breath yesterday, but it came back clean,” Boone said. “He was much improved yesterday. Much improved today. We avoided something there. That’s good news.”
The Yankees hoped to have Domínguez available off the bench against the Orioles on Friday.