Anthony Volpe
New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe fields a ball during the sixth inning of a baseball game … [+]COPYRIGHT 2023 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The New York Yankees plunged to their first series loss of the season against a sturdy Toronto Blue Jays earlier this week. The lack of offensive contributions, coupled with Carlos Rodon’s ill-star, forced the Yanks 2-0 in a three-game series. Regardless, the AL-East leaders came to life in the series finale.

With the game nearly slipping away, the New York Yankees encountered a late surge in the ninth innings. The hitters stacked up four runs in a single inning to lead 6-4 before the Blue Jays counter-attacked with a two-run scoring opportunity in the bottom of the ninth. Thanks to Anthony Volpe’s game awareness, the run-steal ploy was foiled.

   

Anthony Volpe’s Defensive Clutch Saves Yankees From Humiliation!

Yankees
Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

For the series finale, the New York Yankees took on the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night. With the series lost, the visitors were playing for pride and also to avert a series sweep. However, the Jays kept Yank’s hitters quiet, with Kevin Gausman stepping up with an impressive start. On the other hand, the Yanks pitchers struggled as Marcus Stroman and Caleb Ferguson allowed four runs combined. The Jays had the game in their pocket before the Yanks came up with a late surge. In the ninth inning, Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Jose Trevino, and Giancarlo Stanton contributed with four runs to level up the Yanks in a 6-4 lead. With the game witnessing a sudden shift, the Jays also created a scoring opportunity in the bottom of the ninth.

New York Yankees relief pitcher Clay Holmes was up against Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who smashed a pitch straight to second base. Before the drive could infiltrate the outfield, Anthony Volpe, at shortstop, rushed a dive to not only stop the ball but also run Vladimir out at first base to retire the Blue Jays. Courtesy of that astonishing defensive play, the Bombers went home with a 6-4 impossible win. Notably, Volpe’s heroics in the defense came days after the team’s infield defense came under scrutiny for a couple of nasty lapses. Regardless, Volpe has been in exceptional form this year with the bat as well as with the glove. For now, despite the series loss, the New York-based team will take this win as it not only saved them from a series sweep but also improved their win-loss record to 13-6.

DJ LeMahieu To Commence Rehab Assignment This Week!

DJ LeMahieu
DJ LeMahieu had two solid at-bats against Gerrit Cole during Yankees’ spring training practice. AP

New York Yankees veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu will be taking his final step toward a return this week. As per Gary Phillips, LeMahieu will commence his rehab assignment with Double-A affiliate team Somerset Patriots on Friday. It’s unclear to how long this assignment will last before DJ can be reinstated from IL.

That being said, despite DJ LeMahieu’s impending return, Anthony Volpe will likely retain his leadoff spot, confirmed manager Aaron Boone. The kid has been hot on the plate this season and Boone wants to maximise on his newly discovered offensive prowess. A final decision will be made keeping the circumstances and conditions into consideration.

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