NEW YORK —The New York Yankees received troubling news about their infield depth only days before the postseason. Jose Caballero, the trade deadline addition who has sparked the lineup, has been playing through a finger injury for two months.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed the issue Sunday after Caballero appeared uncomfortable during an at-bat against the Baltimore Orioles. He struck out in the fifth inning and walked toward the clubhouse. He later returned to the field, but the sequence raised questions about his condition.
“He’s just been dealing with a finger that acts up on him, really for the last couple months,” Boone said, according to the New York Post’s Greg Joyce. “So every now and then on a swing it bugs him.”
The news arrives at a critical time for the Yankees. New York entered Monday trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by two games in the American League East with six games left in the regular season.
Caballero injury adds new Yankees concerns
Caballero joined the Yankees on July 31 in a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. The move gave New York added flexibility in the infield after the team focused on bolstering third base and the bullpen at the deadline.
The 28-year-old made an immediate impression. In a memorable debut, he was traded during a Rays game and walked across the diamond to suit up for New York. The Yankees won that day.
“I was winning today regardless,” Caballero told reporters afterward.
Since his Yankees arrival, Caballero has hit .274 with three home runs and eight RBIs. His speed and versatility have been crucial. He leads the majors in stolen bases and has added a new dimension to the lineup.
The Yankees are 18-8 since Aug. 24, with Caballero contributing in nearly every series.
Persistent problem surfaces publicly
The finger injury has bothered Caballero for months but was only disclosed this week. Boone said the issue flares up at times but has not forced Caballero to miss extended action.
In 36 starts with New York, Caballero is slashing .274/.327/.479. That production marks a clear improvement over earlier in the season when the Yankees struggled to find stability at shortstop.
So far, the injury has not limited his results. But October presents different challenges. Postseason games demand top-level performance, and Caballero’s ability to steal bases and play strong defense has been central to the Yankees’ surge. Any dip in either area could affect the team’s chances.
Volpe is not injury free either
Anthony Volpe, who continues to share Yankees shortstop duties, has dealt with his own health issues this season. The former top prospect has endured a difficult year but has shown signs of progress in recent weeks.
Earlier this season, Volpe tore a labrum sliding into a base against Tampa Bay. The injury has impacted both his defense and his swing.
The 24-year-old recently received his second cortisone shot of the year. Since then, he has gone 5-for-16 with two doubles, two walks, four runs, and two stolen bases. Statcast data shows promise as well, with a 95.6 mph average exit velocity and a 63.6 percent hard-hit rate.
“I feel like he’s in a good place physically,” Yankees’ Boone said, according to ESPN. “With that being said, that’s been the case most of the year. So, he’s just got to focus on what he does up at the plate and put himself in position to make good swing decisions, and hopefully click for him right away.”
Since July 31, Volpe is hitting .196 with four home runs and 15 RBIs. Those numbers fall well short of Caballero’s output.
Postseason infield stability faces question
The Yankees now face a difficult decision about who plays shortstop in October. Both Caballero and Volpe are battling injuries. Neither offers the reliability the club wants going into the postseason.
Caballero’s finger problem could flare at any time. Volpe’s labrum tear has already taken a toll on his defense and his ability to make consistent contact.
The Yankees have continued to back Volpe since his debut in 2023, showing patience despite his struggles. But Caballero’s play has given them a strong alternative for the first time.
Both players carry concerns. Caballero’s overall career numbers trail Volpe’s. But his recent stretch with New York has been more productive. The Yankees have shown a willingness to reward performance, even when it means making difficult roster choices.
New York has not officially secured a postseason spot yet, though it is likely. Their seeding remains in play. Managing shortstop health and performance could decide how deep they go in October.
The Yankees must balance resting Caballero enough to manage his injury with keeping him sharp. They must also determine whether Volpe’s recent improvement is sustainable or simply a small sample. Those decisions will shape the postseason roster. They could also determine whether New York mounts a serious championship run.
What do you think?
