BALTIMORE — Anthony Volpe is back in the majors.
The New York Yankees have not announced a roster move yet, but it’s expected shortstop José Caballero will be placed on the injured list with a right middle finger injury.
With Caballero injured, the Yankees recalled Volpe from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, a team source told The Athletic. The Yankees optioned Volpe to the minors last week after the 25-year-old completed his rehab assignment, a jarring move considering he was the club’s starting shortstop for the past three seasons.
Caballero injured his finger during Sunday’s game in Milwaukee while sliding back to first base on a pickoff attempt. He pinch ran in the ninth inning Monday against the Baltimore Orioles after the training staff deemed him available to run, but the plan was for him to undergo an MRI and see a hand specialist in New York on Tuesday.
It’s unclear how long Caballero will be out and whether Volpe will retain the shortstop job when both players are healthy.
Volpe has struggled at the plate in the minors this season, posting a .570 OPS in 68 at-bats. He’s chased 36.3 percent of pitches outside of the strike zone, according to FanGraphs, a sign he has not seen the ball well since initially beginning his rehab assignment.
Meanwhile, Caballero has been slightly above average at the plate, with a 105 wRC+, and excellent defensively, leading all major-league shortstops with 9 Defensive Runs Saved.
This was always going to be the most pressure-filled year for Volpe yet because the Yankees have a viable alternative to play shortstop for the first time since he debuted in 2023. It’s now on Volpe to seize the moment.
This story will be updated.
