In a stunning turn of events, New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe will sit out today’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, snapping his remarkable 46-game starting streak. Stepping into the spotlight is Jose Caballero, the recently acquired infielder tasked with filling Volpe’s shoes at shortstop, per The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty. The decision comes as the Yankees grapple with mounting questions about their star shortstop’s performance and the team’s overall direction.
Anthony Volpe, once hailed as a defensive prodigy, has become a lightning rod for criticism in his sophomore season. After bursting onto the scene in 2023 as the first Yankees rookie—and only the second rookie shortstop ever—to win a Gold Glove, expectations were sky-high. His dazzling defensive play overshadowed a lackluster .283 on-base percentage, the worst in the league that year. Yet, the Yankees stood by their young star, confident in his potential to anchor their infield.
Anthony Volpe off day. He had started 46 in a row. https://t.co/7pUXEAgezC
— Brendan Kuty 🧟♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) August 17, 2025
Fast forward to 2025, and Volpe’s defensive prowess has crumbled under pressure. With 16 errors this season, he trails only Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz (17 errors) for the MLB lead in miscues at shortstop. Volpe’s struggles have been a glaring weak point for a Yankees team that, despite its talent on paper, has been plagued by sloppy play in critical moments. His errors have oscillated between tying De La Cruz for the league lead and briefly claiming the unwanted crown outright over recent months.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has faced intense scrutiny for his unwavering support of Volpe. In postgame interviews, Boone has consistently praised Volpe’s talent, even as the young shortstop’s mistakes piled up. This steadfast defense has only deepened doubts about Boone’s decision-making, with fans and analysts questioning whether his loyalty to Volpe is blinding him to the team’s broader needs. The Yankees’ inability to convert their potential into consistent wins has put Boone’s leadership in the crosshairs, and Volpe’s struggles have become a symbol of the team’s larger woes.
The Yankees’ inaction at the trade deadline initially baffled observers. With a clear need to bolster their infield, the team seemed poised to stand pat, signaling confidence in Volpe despite his rocky season. However, in a dramatic last-minute move, the Yankees acquired Jose Caballero from the Tampa Bay Rays—literally pulling him from a game against his former team. The trade sent shockwaves through the fanbase, hinting that Volpe’s days as the team’s shortstop might be numbered.
Caballero’s debut with the Yankees was far from ideal. In his first game, he committed a costly outfield error that handed the Miami Marlins a victory. Ironically, the Yankees’ lead in that game had been secured by a late-game home run from none other than Volpe himself, underscoring the complex dynamic between the two players. Now, with Caballero stepping into his natural shortstop role today, all eyes are on him to prove he can stabilize the position and address the defensive shortcomings that have haunted Volpe.
Today’s game marks a pivotal moment for the Yankees as they navigate a season fraught with inconsistency and controversy. Volpe’s benching, however temporary, signals a potential shift in the team’s strategy. Can Caballero rise to the occasion and provide the defensive reliability the Yankees desperately need? Or will Volpe’s undeniable talent shine through, forcing the team to reconsider its long-term plans?