Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided some updates prior to Sunday's series finale against the Red Sox…
Volpe benched
Jose Caballero is in the Yankees’ lineup at shortstop over Anthony Volpe for Sunday’s meeting in the Bronx.
It’s been a rough season for the young shortstop on both sides of the ball.
Volpe has just eight hits over his last 18 games and has struck out 18 times over that span.
He’s also committed a league-high 16 errors is an ugly -7 Outs Above Average (fourth percentile in MLB).
Aaron Boone hinted it was a possible following Saturday’s loss, and now he makes it official.
“He’s just scuffling a little offensively over the past week,” the skipper said. “Having Caballero now he gives you that real utility presence where he can play anywhere including short, and the spark that he provides so we just felt today was a good day for that.”
Boone wouldn’t rule out Volpe sitting again for Monday’s series opener against the Nats.
“We’ll see, I haven’t made any definitive decision yet,” he said. “I just want to get through today and do everything we can to get a win tonight and we’ll see where we’re at heading into tomorrow.”
Cruz set to return
Fernando Cruz is officially set to be activated from the IL on Monday.
Cruz has been sidelined since late June with a left oblique strain.
He has appeared in three minor league rehab games, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out four.
Now that he’s back, the righty should be in the mix for high-average innings.
Prior to the injury, Cruz pitched to a 3.00 ERA across 32 appearances.
“He’s been super productive for us and a such an important part,” Boone said. “He’s just a great person and competitor — he’s willing to take the ball in so many different areas, so I’m looking forward to getting him back.”