SHORTSTOP CABALLERO REJOINS TEAM; VOLPE TO PRACTICE AT SECOND BASE
The New York Yankees have activated shortstop José Caballero from the injured list, following his recovery from a broken finger. Caballero, who spent the minimum 10 days on the list, started at shortstop for the team's series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.
Caballero’s activation signifies a shuffle in the Yankees’ infield alignment. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Anthony Volpe will begin working out at second base to bolster infield depth. Caballero, known for his versatility, has previously played second base, third base, and outfield positions.
TRANSFERS AND REHABILITATION
The team also activated ace right-hander Gerrit Cole from the 15-day injured list. Cole returns after recovering from elbow ligament replacement surgery, having spent approximately 14 months in rehabilitation. Right-hander Yovanny Cruz was optioned to the minor league affiliate, the RailRiders, on Thursday night.
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BACKGROUND OF INJURIES AND PERFORMANCE
Caballero sustained a fracture in his right middle finger on May 10, an injury incurred when he dove back to first base to avoid a pickoff during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. He had been placed on the injured list the following day, May 12. Volpe, meanwhile, had been recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to cover the shortstop position during Caballero's absence, making eight starts. Volpe himself recovered from shoulder surgery in October, having played through a partial labrum tear last season.
Reports indicate that Volpe, 25, had been optioned to Triple-A following his shoulder surgery recovery. Manager Boone has noted Volpe's performance at-bats and baserunning impact since his recall. Caballero was batting seventh in Friday's lineup. Other roster movements include Trent Grisham returning to the lineup at center field after a brief absence. Caballero also tied for the American League lead with 19 errors in the previous year.
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