Yankees’ Volpe Struggles with Hitless Return, Faces 1-for-32 Slump
UPDATE: In a concerning turn of events, Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe returned to the starting lineup but went 0-for-4, extending his slump to a staggering 1-for-32 in a 5-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on June 27, 2023. This latest performance raises alarms as Volpe’s batting average plummets to just .206 this season, despite hitting 18 homers and driving in 65 RBIs.
Volpe’s return came after a brief two-game benching, aimed at helping him reset amid heavy criticism from fans. Manager Aaron Boone expressed hope that the time off would rejuvenate Volpe, stating, “He’s always the same guy and such an important part of our team. So hopefully he will start to turn the corner a little bit here offensively.”
This performance marks Volpe’s first start since the Yankees’ 12-1 loss to the Red Sox on Saturday. In that game, he struggled further, committing his 17th error—the highest in the American League—on a grounder. Volpe attempted a sacrifice bunt while the Yankees were down by three runs, showcasing his determination but also underscoring his struggles.
Volpe’s recent history is troubling. He began the season strong, hitting .249 through his first 69 games, but has plummeted to just .157 since June 15. The Yankees, who once held first place in the AL East, have now slipped to the second wild-card spot with a record of 30-33 during that period.
Boone highlighted Volpe’s potential, saying, “He’s very capable… the biggest thing for him is the ups and downs offensively. It’s just continuing to work hard at being more consistent.” The Yankees and their fans are anxiously awaiting a turnaround from their young star as they continue their series against the Nationals.
As the Yankees look to solidify their playoff position, the pressure mounts on Volpe to contribute effectively. Fans are eager to see if the team can help him harness his talent and break free from this daunting slump. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
