As the Yankees get set to take on the Dodgers for the first time since 2019, Anthony Volpe will be looking to get himself on track after a rough May and an overall tough start to his big league career.
While the Yankees continue to express faith in their prized rookie, Sal says while he shares that faith in terms of Volpe’s long-term outlook, even down the road this season, it’s hard to not at least consider giving him some time off to get right.
“I look at Volpe and say, ‘He can be a difference maker,’” Sal said. “But as much as I love him and believe he will be an impact player for this team…he’s had some impactful moments for sure, but he’s still learning.
“There was a point in the year where I thought they might have to send him down, then he started to hit his way out of it, and I figured they survived the worst of it, but here we are again. he’s struggling.”
Volpe has also had his problems at shortstop, and Sal says it’s nearing time to cede the starting job to the shortstop who was expected to be the starter coming into spring training, before Volpe tore it up down in Florida.
“The Yankees best team moving forward, whether it’s the end of this year or next year,” Sal said. “Is with Oswald Peraza at shortstop.”
As for Volpe, if his struggles continue, Sal says the Yankees may be forced into a difficult decision.
“I do think it’s realistic to consider at some point if this continues, either moving him or sending him down,” Sal said. “Great players have been sent down before. But you just risk ruining his confidence. I love Volpe as a player and think he’s gonna be an impactful player…however, you can’t continue with him making errors and hitting under .200. It can’t happen.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
Listen live to WFAN:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker (just say ‘Play W-F-A-N’)