The New York Yankees continue to move pieces as they prepare for the postseason, and one of the decisions that still doesn't seem to be fully defined is in third base.
With few remaining games on the regular schedule, the team plans to give opportunities to Anthony Volpe in the hot corner. The idea is part of the different alternatives that Aaron Boone and his coaching staff are evaluating before establishing the definitive configuration of the inner box for the Wild Card series.
Volpe has spent a good part of the last few weeks adapting to a different role than he had during his first years in the Major Leagues. After losing ownership in the shortstop, he found space at second base during the absence of Jazz Chisholm Jr. And now he could add another position to his defensive repertoire.
Anthony Volpe could have a new opportunity in third base
The third base is not a completely unknown position for Volpe, although his experience there is limited. During his time in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre he made only three appearances in that position.
The Yankees want to take advantage of the latest regular-season games to see how they respond before making decisions for October. The intent does not necessarily mean that Volpe is going to become the starting pre-trialist, but that New York seeks to expand its options to build the roster and react to different clashes during a short series.
The versatility can take on even more importance in the postseason, where a defensive substitution, a pop-up batter or a change of position can completely modify the lineup during the last entries.
Third base continues to raise doubts for the Yankees
The possibility of using Volpe appears in the middle of the search for more production in a position that has not yet finished offering offensive stability.
Ryan McMahon It continues to be one of the main alternatives and adds value with its defense, but its performance with the bat has been irregular. Amed Rosario He has also received opportunities, especially for his ability to face left-handed pitchers, without definitively establishing himself as the daily solution.
McMahon has gone through a complicated September at the plate, while the Yankees try to find a combination that allows them to maintain a solid defense without sacrificing too much offensive production. That situation has opened the door to consider other formulas before starting the playoffs.
George Lombard Jr. stays in the shortstop
One of the pieces that seems to have greater stability is George Lombard Jr. The young infielder will continue to occupy the shortstop, a decision that also directly influences the way in which the Yankees distribute the rest of their players within the box.
Volpe had covered second base during the absence of Jazz Chisholm Jr., but Jazz's return forces the team to find other ways to keep their best alternatives available.
Boone does not seem inclined, for the moment, to move Chisholm regularly to third base. That makes Volpe, McMahon, Rosario and even Joseph Knight Be part of the possibilities that New York can use depending on the rival and the pitcher on the mound.
The Yankees seek flexibility before October
Rather than defining a single player position, the Yankees seem to be looking for flexibility. The Wild Card series forces you to make quick decisions and every roster position can be important in a short format.
Volpe can offer an additional tool if it shows that it can defend the third base safely. His speed and ability to occupy different positions could also facilitate movements during matches without forcing Boone to quickly consume his bench.
The next meetings will serve as a test before New York has to establish its final roster. The third base remains one of the pending decisions and Volpe now appears as another alternative within an inner box that could change considerably depending on the confrontation.