Volpe Unconcerned by Shortstop Competition as Lombard Excels in Minors

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe expressed a lack of concern regarding competition for his position, even as top prospect George Lombard Jr. continues to impress at the Triple-A level.

Volpe, who was in the starting lineup at shortstop for the Yankees' Friday game against the Phillies, stated that his focus is on helping the team win, not on the uncertainty surrounding the shortstop role. "It's not my job to be concerned with that. I'm here to help the team win. I'm ready to go every day to help the team," Volpe said.

Lombard, who was recently in the lineup at leadoff for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, has been a notable performer since returning from a stint on the injured list with sprained fingers. In four games entering Friday, Lombard was 9-for-17 with four extra-base hits. Volpe also mentioned he has been in touch with Lombard, whom he played with during Volpe's minor league rehabilitation assignments.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has not shied away from discussing Lombard's progress. Boone noted that in addition to Lombard's strong defense, the 21-year-old has shown significant physical development and improvement at the plate. "He's improved a lot offensively,'' Boone said, highlighting Lombard's control of the strike zone, power, and "hit-ability."

A scout who has observed Lombard since his return from injury agreed, noting that the prospect "is smarter up there and knows his strengths.'' The scout added, "It's what you want to see from a player with that much skill and that good of a work ethic."

Boone reiterated Lombard's strong performance, stating, "He's playing really well now... He's come back and it seems like he hasn't missed a beat. His performance has been excellent. He brings a lot of things to the table."

Lombard, who began the season at Double-A Somerset, has played 48 games at the Triple-A level. Boone acknowledged that Lombard has "put himself in the conversation" for a major league roster spot, but deferred on specific criteria for a potential call-up, stating, "I don't know. He's done a great job. We'll see."