Anthony Volpe transforms into a power threat with amazing post-break rebound
- August 4, 2024
- 9:43 am
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Follow UsAnthony Volpe‘s post-All-Star-break performance for the New York Yankees has been nothing short of remarkable, signifying a notable turnaround from his earlier struggles this season.
The young shortstop began the year with a promising start from late March to mid-May. However, Anthony Volpe then hit a challenging two-month slump that adversely affected his stats. At the All-Star break, his batting line stood at .245/.300/.366 with six home runs and a 90 wRC+. Despite these offensive struggles, the sophomore remained a crucial team asset due to his baserunning prowess and defensive skills at shortstop.
After the All-Star break, Anthony Volpe has experienced a dramatic resurgence. In the past 14 games, he has recorded hits in 13, demonstrating remarkable consistency. His approach at the plate has evolved, maintaining solid contact on strikes while increasing his swing force to drive the ball more effectively.
Perhaps most notably, Anthony Volpe has rediscovered his power stroke. After an extended 56-game homerless streak from mid-May to late July, he has now hit five home runs in his last 11 games. This power surge includes back-to-back games with home runs against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday and Saturday.
This recent hot streak suggests that Anthony Volpe may be finding his rhythm and living up to the high expectations set for him as a key player in the Yankees’ lineup.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has praised Anthony Volpe’s recent performance, despite the player insisting he hasn’t changed his approach. Boone highlighted the shortstop’s adaptability, noting his strong start, subsequent struggles, and recent resurgence. The manager particularly commended the Baby Bomber’s improved positioning at the plate over the past two weeks, which has led to better swings on pitches within the strike zone.
“The guy has an ability to make adjustments,” the Yankees skipper told reporters after the win over the Blue Jays. “[He got off to] a great start, went through his share of struggles for several weeks, but I feel like the last two weeks [he’s] getting in a better position to put good swings on balls in the strike zone. I definitely like where Anthony’s at right now.”
As of Saturday’s game, Anthony Volpe’s season statistics have shown marked improvement. His batting line now stands at .261/.310/.408, with 21 doubles, seven triples, 11 home runs, 44 RBI, 72 runs scored, 19 stolen bases, and a 104 wRC+. Since the All-Star break on July 19, Volpe has recorded eight multi-hit games, nine extra-base hits, and 12 RBI.
From slump to slugger: Anthony Volpe’s post-break turnaround
Since the All-Star break, Anthony Volpe has demonstrated a remarkable transformation in his offensive performance. Prior to the break, from April 16 through July 13, Volpe struggled at the plate, posting a weak 71 wRC+ and a .604 OPS over 80 games. During this period, he focused on using the entire field but at the cost of his power, going without a home run from May 16 to July 22.
However, post-break, Anthony Volpe’s batting prowess has surged dramatically. He’s been on an eight-game hitting streak and has homered in two consecutive games. His post-break statistics are impressive: a .365/.375/.683 slash line, five home runs, 11 runs scored, five doubles, 12 RBIs, and four stolen bases. This hot streak has boosted his season batting average to .261 and his OPS to .718.
When questioned about his improved performance, Anthony Volpe downplayed any significant changes to his approach. However, his recent home run to left field suggests he might be making a more conscious effort to pull the ball. Volpe maintained that his plate approach remains simple: “see ball, hit ball.”
It’s worth noting that throughout his offensive ups and downs, Anthony Volpe has consistently played excellent defense at shortstop, further underlining his value to the team and his potential for continued improvement.
Anthony Volpe’s hot streak has coincided with an overall improvement in the Yankees’ performance. The team has won eight of their first 14 games in the second half of the season, putting them in a tie with the Baltimore Orioles for the top spot in the AL East. If the young shortstop can maintain his current level of play, it could prove instrumental in the Yankees’ pursuit of the division lead.
This resurgence showcases Anthony Volpe’s potential and also underscores his growing importance to the team’s success as they navigate a competitive AL East race.
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