The New York Yankees have been missing their oldest piece of the puzzle as DJ LeMahieu has been recovering from injury. There have already been 55 games over in the current regular season for the NY side. So far, the team has been looking really good. They are on a roll as they are leading the American League East division. However, the Baltimore Orioles have lost the same number of games as the NY side has. But the Bronx Bombers have won four more games. Hence, with a four-game advantage, the Yankees are on top of the AL East.
Moreover, things seem to go pretty much their way so far. When DJ LeMahieu and Gerrit Cole entered the 60-day Injured List, the fans were on the verge of losing hope even before the season started. But then the Bronx Bombers showed some character and proved that they have enough bench strength. Moreover, Aaron Boone used Anthony Volpe in the leadoff spot while DJ was on IL. But the new shortstop has been hitting brilliantly so far this season.
Yankees Might Keep Anthony Volpe At The Leadoff Spot Even When DJ LeMahieu Returns
Before the regular season started, the manager planned to use DJ LeMahieu as their leadoff hitter. However, then he got a non-displaced fracture in his right foot during the spring training. As a result, he got his name on the IL. Since then, Aaron Boone used Anthony Volpe at the leadoff spot. Volpe has been simply brilliant. He is hitting .282. Moreover, the new shortstop is on a 19-game hitting streak. Recently, Greg Joyce of The New York Post reported that the Yankees won’t move Volpe from that spot in the batting order even when DJ LeMahieu returns. Lately, Aaron Boone told the media that the veteran infielder is getting better and he might be part of the lineup in the series against the Los Angeles Angels next Tuesday.
The 35-year-old Yankee is about to make his season debut very soon. On Sunday, Boone’s side lost to the Padres 5-2. But the new shortstop went 1 for 3 with a walk. As a result, he was able to extend his hitting streak to 19 outings. In 2012, Derek Jeter had the same long-hitting streak. Volpe just matched the former shortstop on Sunday. The team is showing a lot of faith in the 23-year-old leadoff hitter. He is having a great sophomore season. Perhaps the Yankees would not want to mess it up, changing the batting order.
Aaron Boone Was In All Praise For The New Shortstop
In the post-game interview, Aaron Boone talked highly of Anthony Volpe on Sunday. The Yankees manager says that Volpe has been a real driving force for the team’s offense. Boone feels Anthony is continuing to evolve to be the outstanding player that everybody thought he would. Moreover, Boone says he is hungry and is able to make adjustments.
In front of some great hitters, Volpe can also get on base a lot. Most importantly, Boone said Volpe’s aptitude impressed him the most. With the right aptitude, Volpe can learn from any situation, good or bad, struggle or success. But then, Boone says he can make those adjustments.
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