Yankees Call Up Embattled Shortstop Amid Jose Caballero Injury News

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe rounds the bases at Yankee Stadium after homering against the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 the American League Wild Card Series.
With Jose Caballero on the mend, the Yankees have turned to their previous starting shortstop.

The New York Yankees will call up Anthony Volpe from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Francys Romero first reported the move, which has major implications for the Yankees’ lineup.

The move doesn’t bode well for Jose Caballero’s availability in the near future. The infielder injured his right middle finger sliding back to a base in the series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Caballero was scratched from the Yankees’ lineup on May 11 as a result of the injury. The infielder flew back to New York after the game to consult with team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad and then visit a hand specialist.

The Yankees will have to make an active roster move to fit Volpe, which likely signals a stint on the 10-day injured list for Caballero. ESPN’s Jorge Castillo has confirmed that it will be the case.

More Coverage: MLB World Reacts To Anthony Volpe News Before Yankees-Orioles Game


Embattled Shortstop Anthony Volpe Returns to New York

Volpe, who turned 25 last month, was once viewed as a foundational piece for the club. He finished eighth in the American League Rookie of the Year race in 2023 on the back of a 21-homer, 24-steal season that included a Gold Glove Award.

However, the young shortstop’s bat has failed to improve in three seasons. In 2025, he slashed .212/.272/.391 with a 83 wRC+ in 153 games. He played through a left shoulder injury for the rest of the season, which hampered his performance. Eventually, Volpe underwent surgery after the Yankees’ season came to an end in the ALDS.

Volpe missed most of Spring Training, then embarked on a rehab assignment in Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre. The Yankees activated the young shortstop from the injured list on May 3, then immediately optioned him to Triple-A.

In 18 minor league games, Volpe is slashing .221/.276/.294 with a homer.

The 25-year-old won’t be in the lineup in his first game back in New York. The club’s released lineup has Max Schuemann starting at shortstop ahead of their game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Volpe will have another opportunity to prove he still fits in the club’s plans. With top prospect Jacob Lombard fast approaching the big leagues, time is running out for the young shortstop.


What’s Next for Jose Caballero and the Yankees?

The Yankees named Caballero as their starting shortstop at the start of the regular season. The 29-year-old infielder has produced solid value across the board, with a respectable .259/.320/.400 slash in 39 games.

In addition to his solid bat, Caballero has provided value with the glove and on the bases. Defensive metrics grade him well, with +9 Defensive Runs Saved and +2 Outs Above Average. Additionally, he paces the club with 13 stolen bases.

Losing a player with that well-rounded value will hurt the Yankees, who are 26-16 and two games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the American League East lead.

Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reported on May 11 that Caballero would undergo imaging on his injured finger. Manager Aaron Boone will likely provide an update on the results of the imaging and what the next steps will be before their next game against the Baltimore Orioles.

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Yankees Call Up Embattled Shortstop Amid Jose Caballero Injury News

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