The New York Yankees are going through their worst stretch of the season. Recalling Thursday’s loss, fielder Trent Grisham didn’t charge a single, which enabled the Red Sox’s base runner to capture an extra base. A similar storyline happened in Friday’s game. For the Yankees, it was the glaring mistakes from Anthony Volpe that compelled him to come under the radar. In an intense match tied after nine innings, Anthony Volpe missing out on the run made all the difference. 

Amid the game and a crucial run for grabs, the Yankees shortstop slowed down in taking a single. The Boston Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees by 5-3 at the Bronx. It was the screaming homers by Yoshida and Rafaela that sealed the deal for the Red Sox. Explaining Anthony Volpe’s efforts and ending Jeter’s comparison with him, the top MLB Analyst and former sports commentator gave his stance. 

MLB Analyst Caters his thoughts on Yankees Shortstop Anthony Volpe

Of course, the horrendous gameplay from Volpe cost the Yankees an entire game. Reflecting on the incident, Yankees analyst Jack Curry said, ”Playing with an urgency, you are a team that is struggling, and the one thing you can control more than anything is your effort.” Indeed, if we look at the Yankee’s track record, the team is really struggling. They have lost 15 of their last 20 games, and the defeat against the Red Sox was a sheer blunder. 

Furthermore, comparing Derek Jeter with Anthony Volpe, Curry said, ”I know I am quoting a Hall of Famer. But, Derek Jeter used to say don’t let anyone outwork you. I think, when you are a team that is in the situation the Yankees are right now, hard work is going to help you potentially get out of this spot.” Of course, Derek Jeter for the Yankees has been a legend. He won the World Series five times, 14 All-Star selections, five Gold Glove awards, and was immaculate. Also, there have been instances when fans compared Volpe to Jeter. Like Derek, Anthony is playing at the Shortstop, and with his talent, many think he might be Jeter’s successor. 

Ending the debate of Anthony Volpe’s comparison with Jeter, Curry further noted, ” Hard work is going to help you potentially get out of this spot. Hard work means hustling and that play was not hustle.” Indeed, in the third inning of a scoreless game, Volpe was on the third base.  If Volpe had crossed the plate before double play was finished, the runs would have been counted. Eventually, Rafaela caught the ball, and it was all over for Anthony in the Boston Red Sox game. 

Despite losing the lead-off spot, Volpe’s On-field Woe continues

Anthony Volpe for the Yankees played most of his games, being at the lead-off spot. However, after 78 games, especially after the game against the Royals on June 1, he was dropped from that position. He had an on-base percentage of .228 for the spot over his last 136 plate appearances. 

Since the game against the Cincinnati Reds, Volpe has been playing in the sixth position. Replacing him, first baseman Ben Rice is the new Yankees lead-off hitter. Still, even if Anthony is playing at the number six position, his offensive struggle remains. Coming into the team on the back of being a fly-ball hitter, he has just slowed down. Even during his rookie season, he was all or nothing. He hit 21 home runs, and with a wRC+ of just 84, it’s still not enough for the Yankees.

Anthony even flattened his bat to hit precisely, but it hampered his ability to drive the ball consistently. Thus, perhaps, giving up on Volpe might not be an option, considering his 2023 performances. Despite not being in his prime form, he holds tremendous value for the Yankees. Aside from being a hitter, he can be an elite defender, baseman, and a good shortstop. Still, the 1-run blunder against the Red Sox will haunt him and keep Anthony under scrutiny.

What do you think about Anthony Volpe’s game against Boston? Let us know in the comments.