The New York Yankees’ 38-19 season record is a result of the roster’s collective effort. While many notable names have lived up to the preset hype, a few rookies and inexperienced players are also shining under the shadows. One of the many unsung heroes for the Yanks this season has been shortstop Anthony Volpe.
Anthony Volpe’s rookie season in 2023 was a shaky affair. He had his moments of hits and misses. But the overall consistency and a grave slump in the second half of the year was a concern. Regardless, Volpe was expected to bounce back in his sophomore season and he did not disappoint at all.
Yankees Shortstop On The Pace To Match Joe DiMaggio’s Legendary Streak
New York Yankees were criticized when they promoted Anthony Volpe to the major league roster with a mere handful number of Triple-A games. However, the franchise argued that they invested a lot in the rookie and showed complete faith in his abilities. While Volpe succumbed to big league pressure in his rookie year, the sophomore season was largely different. Volpe started the season on a high and present; the shortstop is on a 20-game hitting streak, which is his career best. However, Anthony Volpe can create franchise history for the Yanks if he manages to stay hot for two more games. If Volpe manages to record at least a hit in the next two or more games, he will equal or possibly surpass legend Joe DiMaggio.
Joe DiMaggio is one of the most iconic and legendary faces in New York Yankees’ glorious history. He had two hitting steaks of 21 games and 22 games before he turned 23. Hence, if Anthony Volpe scores a hit in the next two games, he will become the first Yankee player to have the longest hitting streak with 23 years or younger. The shortstop has been phenomenal with the bat this year. Entering Wednesday, he is hitting .285 with six home runs, 23 runs scored, 11 stolen bases and .790 OPS. He got promoted to leadoff hitter earlier this month, and that promotion worked like magic for Volpe. That being said, with just two games to go to tie DiMaggio’s record, the pressure is undoubtedly mounting. Volpe, however, has shown remarkable composure since he made his major league debut amidst high pressure of expectations.
Anthony Volpe Retains Leadoff Hitter Spot After DJ LeMahieu’s Return
DJ LeMahieu was on the cusp of be New York Yankees regular leadoff hitter before a foot injury delayed his season debut by nearly two months. In his absence Anthony Volpe held the leadoff spot and impressed enough to change manager Aaron Boone’s perspective.
The veteran third baseman was reinstated earlier this week. But Aaron Boone confirmed that Anthony Volpe’s leadoff hitting position will stay unchanged. And DJ LeMahieu was subsequently pushed down to no.9 in the lineup. While it was a bold call, Boone deemed it in the best interest of the New York Yankees and Volpe himself.
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