It’s going to be hard to send him back to the minors.
Anthony Volpe has yet to disappoint for the Yankees in spring training and the top prospect continued trending upwards in Sunday’s 3-3 tie against the Boston Red Sox.
Volpe went 2-for-4 at the plate, hitting his second homer of the spring to right-center field. The Jersey native also blasted an opposite-field double to advance runners on the base paths. Volpe’s batting average after Sunday now sits at .320 and the shortstop has shown his speed by stealing three bases so far.
The fan favorite’s defense at shortstop has been another reason why he’s being loved by Yankee fans and it makes the potential decision for the team to allow Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who struggled defensively last season, to start at the position look unreasonable.
“I think he’s got all the tools,” said captain Aaron Judge after Wednesday’s game against the Cardinals at the Yankees’ spring complex. “He checks a lot of boxes defensively, offensively. He’s got the speed… My thing has always been, if you’re the best player, it shouldn’t matter your age. You should be up helping the New York Yankees.”
The decision to allow Volpe to start this season in the Bronx looks more likely after each performance.
Jasson Dominguez continues his hot spring, going 1-for-2 after substituting for Aaron Hicks in the outfield. Dominguez hit a single in the ninth inning, making it the ninth game in 11 total outings where he’s gotten a hit. However, several of the Martian’s plate appearances have come against lesser-known players late in games.
Speaking of lesser-known players, the Yankees have an infield prospect that is putting together a decent spring training down in Florida.
Infielder Andres Chaparro, who the Yankees signed as an international free agent in 2015, recorded a hit, one walk and a RBI Sunday. The 23-year-old plays at the hot corners, but appeared as a designated hitter against the Red Sox Sunday.
This spring, the Venezuelan is slashing .333/.429/.708 with three homers and eight RBI in 24 at-bats. Chaparro spent the 2022 season with the Yankees Single-A and Double-A affiliates.
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