New York Yankees promoted rookie shortstop Anthony Volpe to the leadoff spot in the aftermath of recent injuries.
Anthony Volpe, the New York Yankees’ most hyped rookie, made his dream debut on the 2023 MLB season opening day. The prospect was batting at ninth and played the role of a closer. However, that spot did not generate much offense from the shortstop. He failed to score a run down the order and settled with impressive stoled bases.
While those stolen bases looked fascinating initially, Anthony Volpe had to make his mark with his bat at some point to retain his spot in the Yankees lineup. His due came with unfortunate news. Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees middle-order hitter, entered IL with Grade 2 hamstring strain. Stanton’s injury brought a new ray of hope for Volpe, who has been acing the new responsibility.
Anthony Volpe Comfortable As Leadoff Hitter! Might Get More Chances In Future
After Giancarlo Stanton went down with hamstring issues, the New York Yankees stared at a major hole in the middle of the lineup. Hence, they summoned baseman DJ LeMahieu for the role. DJ has been the team’s leadoff hitter for a long time. But with recent quad tightness concerns, the Yankees thought moving LeMahieu down the order would be a wise choice. Hence, the team placed DJ fifth down the order and promoted Volpe to the top as the leadoff hitter.
The Leadoff spot brought overnight success for Anthony Volpe. In the very first game, he scored his first home run of the season. Further, he followed it by registering two walks against the Angels. Hence, the Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, left highly impressed and is considering keeping him as the leadoff for a longer period of time. Boone said Volpe is good with his control over the strike zone. It comes naturally to him. Moreover, after seeing his attacking intent in the last two games, the skipper feels the shortstop is a natural leadoff hitter and would thrive in that position.
Volpe Scores His First Career Homer, Felt Extremely Overwhelmed
In his first at-bat as the leadoff hitter of the New York Yankees, Anthony Volpe smacked his first career homer against the Minnesota Twins. He targeted the four-seam fastball, the very pitch that troubled him all season long, and drilled it over the left field wall. He looked absolutely delighted as he ran over the base paths to complete the sole home run.
After the game, Anthony Volpe said it took him a couple of innings to sink in the feeling. First major league homers are obviously special, and he is grateful he helped the team with a valuable run. Further, the shortstop thanked the Yankees teammates and management for backing him throughout the rough past weeks. He said that for a rookie like him, it’s crucial to get support and backing from the team during these nervous times. Not everyone gets the privilege of having such a supportive team, and he is grateful to have got one.