Aaron Boone might breathe a little bit simpler Monday when he wrote Anthony Volpe’s identify again into the Yankees lineup.
The shortstop missed Sunday’s recreation with a sore left shoulder after listening to a “pop” on a diving try late in Saturday’s recreation however returned Monday in a 4-3 loss to the Padres with checks and the medical workers clearing him for motion.
“I talked to him on the best way house [Sunday] evening and he mentioned he can do every thing,” Boone mentioned earlier than Monday’s recreation. “Really feel like we dodged one thing there.”
Boone mentioned he anticipated to watch Volpe’s shoulder within the coming days as he returned to video games, however the sturdy 24-year-old was “full power.”
Volpe went 0-for-3 with an RBI sacrifice fly within the loss.
Earlier than the Yankees promoted prime prospect George Lombard Jr. to Double-A Somerset on Sunday, they really debated having him begin the 12 months there as a substitute of Excessive-A Hudson Valley.
As an alternative, the membership’s prime prospect received off to a red-hot begin at Excessive-A to earn the promotion this week to Double-A, the place he’ll turn out to be the Jap League’s youngest participant at 19 years previous.
“Clearly George is somebody we’re tremendous enthusiastic about,” Boone mentioned. “He’s definitely earned that subsequent step as much as Somerset. Excited for him and the beginning he’s off to. He’s a particular make-up and actually good athlete.”
Lombard, who impressed many within the group in his first massive league camp this spring, hit .329 with a .983 OPS in 24 video games at Excessive-A this season. The 6-foot-2 shortstop has additionally performed some third base and second base.
“Nice head on his shoulders,” Boone mentioned. “Loves the sport. Nice work ethic. Good, heady participant. However then bodily — you’ve actually seen that evolve now over the 2 years. You’ve seen him slowly turning into a person and a giant, bodily presence.”
It’s “potential” that DJ LeMahieu (calf pressure) might rejoin the Yankees sooner or later throughout their West Coast journey that begins Friday in opposition to the A’s, Boone mentioned.
The veteran infielder is anticipated to proceed his rehab project Tuesday with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He was initially anticipated to play each second and third earlier than returning, however with Jazz Chisholm Jr. out 4 to 6 weeks with an indirect pressure, the main target has now turn out to be second base.
An American League scout who noticed LeMahieu play with Double-A Somerset final week mentioned he “took good at-bats” however was not likely challenged defensively at second.
Marcus Stroman (knee) threw one other bullpen session on Monday. If he recovers from that effectively, he might advance to dealing with stay hitters later this week, in line with Boone. The Yankees might use an efficient and wholesome Stroman with Carlos Carrasco and Will Warren struggling within the rotation.
Giancarlo Stanton (tennis elbows) ran within the outfield and did some agility drills earlier than Monday’s recreation as he continues his ramp-up.
