Anthony Volpe
New York Yankees/GettyImages

After creating enormous hype in spring training, the New York Yankees shortstop, Anthony Volpe, failed to transition well into the major league.

A 21-year-old shortstop, Anthony Volpe, remained one the most hyped prospects during this season’s spring training. He channeled his inner Derek Jeter and smashed all competition to claim the shortstop role in the Yankees’ starry lineup. However, the majors league is a different ball game altogether. Especially for young guys, the highest level of sport is a difficult place to be.

   

Hence, Anthony Volpe is no different. He has struggled on the plate so far. Coming 9th down the order, Volpe has been visibly struggling to find the rhythms and adjust to the variations of the pitchers. However, after 12 long games, the shortstop has finally cracked the code and is making the necessary adjustment which will lead to better swing connection in the foreseeable future.

Anthony Volpe Found The Key To Success On The Plate

Anthony Volpe
Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe hits a homer during a spring training game against the Pirates earlier in the week. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The New York Yankees debutant of the 2023 season, Anthony Volpe, has failed to cope with the major league pressure. He has struggled to make an impact on the plate, primarily because of the troubling four-seamer fastballs. In MLB, the pitchers have used a trick to rattle and intimidate the newcomers with fastballs. It works every time, as the rookies hardly get to face the seamers in the minor league. It is difficult to adapt, and it’s the same case happening with Volpe right now.

The pitchers have troubled Anthony Volpe with seamers, and the shortstop has been unable to adjust to it. While he has tackled the sinkers and cutters, the four-seam fastballs are something he needs to work on. Even Volpe acknowledges it and says he is working on it. Despite all the struggles, the Yankees front office has faith in the rookie and remains least concerned. They want Volpe to gain as much experience as he can. He has ample amount of time to grow as he is just 21 years old. Ultimately, acing the fastballs is the key to Volpe’s success on the plate, and the sooner he cracks, the better it is for him and the team.

Volpe Reveals The Reason For His Frustration On The Plate

Anthony Volpe
New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe will make his MLB debut on Thursday, starting on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium.AP

Anthony Volpe addressed the elephant in the room after the last series win against the Cleveland Guardians. He understands that his low batting average and striking percentage are a bit concerning, but his reason for frustration is somewhat different. Volpe said the inability to make adjustments according to pitch variations is the main reason behind his frustration on the plate.

Just as discussed earlier, Anthony Volpe has been unable to tackle the fastballs. Regardless, it’s high time the shortstop steps up and works on his limitations as a hitter. With a healthy Oswald Peraza doing wonders in the Triple-A, Volpe’s place in the lineup could come under serious threat in no time. He has a long career lying ahead of him and has to make the most of the given opportunities.