Aaron Boone discusses potential demotion for struggling shortstop
New York Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone is contemplating the possibility of sending Anthony Volpe down to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders due to the rookie shortstop’s ongoing batting woes.
In a recent episode of the “Talkin’ Yanks” podcast, Boone expressed his current stance on Volpe’s situation, emphasizing that despite the struggles, he still sees Volpe as a valuable asset to the team’s success. He reiterated his confidence in Volpe’s ability to contribute positively to the team and handle the inevitable ups and downs of the game.
While Boone has previously expressed similar sentiments regarding Volpe’s performance, the 22-year-old has yet to deliver satisfying results at the plate. As of the latest statistics prior to Tuesday’s game against the New York Mets, Volpe’s batting average stood at a disappointing .186, with a .260 on-base percentage and .345 slugging percentage, accumulating nine home runs and 26 RBI across 67 games.
Speculation has arisen, particularly from analysts like Max Goodman of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, suggesting that the Yankees should consider sending Volpe to Triple-A, especially as Oswald Peraza continues to impress in the minor leagues. Peraza, who lost the starting position to Volpe at the beginning of the season, boasts impressive statistics with a .311 batting average, 10 home runs, and 21 RBI as a member of the RailRiders.
Despite the mounting pressure, Boone remains steadfast in his belief that Volpe possesses the necessary skills to overcome his struggles without needing a demotion to Triple-A.
Boone acknowledged that Volpe may be experiencing challenges and attempting to make adjustments, but he reaffirmed his confidence in Volpe’s ability to navigate through adversity. Boone highlighted the team’s initial decision to promote Volpe, based on their belief in his capability to handle the inevitable challenges of professional baseball.
However, concerns persist as Volpe’s performance has declined over recent months, with his batting average dropping from .217 in March and April to a dismal .120 in June. Should this downward trend continue, Boone recognizes the potential negative consequences of allowing Volpe to struggle against elite pitching, suggesting that a demotion could be necessary for the player’s development and the team’s success.
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