Anthony Volpe's Third Base Trial Offers Versatility for Yankees' Postseason Plans

Anthony Volpe logged his first career start at third base during the New York Yankees' 10-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, a move that could provide the team with increased positional flexibility heading into the postseason. While Volpe saw minimal action at the position, manager Aaron Boone deemed the experience valuable.

"Not a lot of action over there, but there’s something to be said for being in there and thinking through the situations and moving and setting up how you’re supposed to," Boone said. The Yankees started Volpe at shortstop in the second game of the doubleheader, but the experience at third base could be a strategic asset.

Volpe expressed comfort with the transition, crediting coaches and former teammates for their help. "No matter where you play, you got to anticipate and know where you got to be. I feel like I’ve picked it up," Volpe stated. This versatility could allow the Yankees to employ more aggressive pinch-hitting and pinch-running strategies in the AL Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox.

Beyond Volpe's positional experimentation, the Yankees also used Friday's games as opportunities for other players to prove their readiness for the playoffs. Pitcher Ryan Weathers, who had been sidelined with a left forearm flexor strain, threw one inning and about 20 pitches. "He looks healthy, that’s what I took away," Boone commented on Weathers' outing. "Stuff looked good. … Whether [he’s an option for the] first round or not, that’ll be the conversation we have here in the next day or two."

Outfielders Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham also faced live pitching as they work back from injuries. Stanton, sidelined for five months with calf issues, is being considered for a roster spot as a pinch hitter. "Obviously we’ll talk to G, see where he’s at, mentally, physically, all that," Boone said. "But having the threat there is real."

Grisham, who has been out for three weeks with a hamstring strain, is in contention for a role as a fourth outfielder. "He’s knocking on that door too," Boone said. "He’s checked a lot of the boxes and gone through his running progressions and things like that. So he’s very much in play and in the conversation too."

The Yankees also utilized pitchers Brendan Beck, Yerry de los Santos, and Alexander Cornielle to manage innings, thereby protecting their regular bullpen ahead of the postseason. Carlos Lagrange, who is still working back from a shoulder sprain, was not called up to pitch and is not currently available for games. "He threw live two days ago, so he’s not in play right now. Could be down the road, but he’s not in play yet," Boone explained.

In other roster news, Fernando Cruz was transferred to the 60-day injured list, effectively ruling him out for the postseason. Boone also stated he was unaware of Aaron Judge's baseball activities for the day, as Judge continues to recover from a calf strain.