Yankees plan to try Volpe at third base as Cruz resumes throwing
The short version
- Anthony Volpe will get a look at third base over the next week, with George Lombard Jr. staying at shortstop.
- Volpe has never played third in the majors but saw time there in the minors this season.
- Fernando Cruz threw this week for the first time since a partially torn UCL was found in late August.
- Cruz had a 3.13 ERA in 61 appearances before the injury and may still factor in despite likely future surgery.
Aaron Boone said Anthony Volpe will get a look at third base before the postseason, while reliever Fernando Cruz has begun throwing again after a UCL injury.
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone outlined several roster moves during his weekly appearance on the Talkin' Yanks podcast, with the postseason set to begin next week. Third base remains an unsettled spot for the club, and Boone said Anthony Volpe will get playing time there over the coming days.
Ryan McMahon has struggled at the plate, and with the Yankees likely to face several left-handed pitchers against the Red Sox in the Wild Card round, the lefty-hitting McMahon could be relegated to a bench role. If Volpe shifts to third, George Lombard Jr. would remain at shortstop.
Volpe, 25, has never played third base in the majors, though he did log time at the position in the minors this season to broaden his versatility. Since returning to the big-league roster, he has hit .263 with a .300 on-base percentage and seven RBI over 11 games.
Boone also gave an update on reliever Fernando Cruz, who is recovering from a partially torn UCL. Cruz threw for the first time this week, and Boone said he is doing well. The injury was found via MRI in late August, but Cruz is trying to pitch through it and could return down the stretch, though surgery will likely be needed eventually. He posted a 3.13 ERA across 61 appearances before the injury.
