Yankees predicted to replace 212 home run outfielder with Anthony Volpe initially appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe nears a return from the injured record, he’ll start a rehab task at Double-A Somerset on Tuesday.
Advertisement
General supervisor Brian Cashman revealed that Volpe will obtain about 55 at-bats in the minors earlier than making his 2026 debut. When the 24-year-old does return, the Yankees may have to reduce somebody unfastened from the roster.
Jovan Alford of Sports Illustrated believes the unfortunate participant can be outfielder Randal Grichuk, who went hitless in his first 12 journeys to the plate with New York.
“Granted, it’s still early in the season, so there’s a chance that Grichuk could find the fountain of youth and get on track,” Alford wrote Monday. “But the fact that he’s not hitting anything off lefties, which is his strong suit, is not a good sign.”
Grichuk, 34, signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring coaching with the Yankees. He’s hit 212 profession home runs and owns a .815 OPS in opposition to left-handed pitching.
Advertisement
More: Mets didn’t want to trade Brett Baty while White Sox didn’t want Mark Vientos in Luis Robert Jr. trade
“In fact, Yankees fans wouldn’t be wrong to question the point of keeping him on the roster over [Jasson] Domínguez, who has had his issues in the field, but it’s tough to ignore his production in Triple-A right now (.341 with two home runs, two doubles, eight RBI, and seven stolen bases),” Alford added.
It’s extremely unlikely that the Yankees will reduce ties with Ryan McMahon or Jose Caballero. If Grichuk isn’t the odd man out, New York might choice J.C. Escarra and use Ben Rice because the backup catcher — additionally unlikely to occur.