KANSAS CITY – For the first time this season, Anthony Volpe and José Caballero were in the same lineup on Monday afternoon.
Volpe started at shortstop while Caballero slid over to third base as the Yankees faced Royals right-hander Michael Wacha, who has reverse splits, at Kauffman Stadium.
Caballero had started all 41 of his games this season at shortstop before moving off the position Monday. Aaron Boone wanted to get an extra righty bat in the lineup against Wacha, who has been tougher on left-handed hitters, which meant Ryan McMahon was relegated to the bench.
“I just wanted to at least have a little bit more of a righty presence today against Wacha, who’s historically tougher on lefties,” Boone said before the game. “We can’t avoid having some lefties in there, obviously, and I like the ones we have in there. But felt like getting another righty bat in there and the athleticism and defense and everything. Felt like today was a good day to have him in the lineup as well.”
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Volpe had been out of the lineup in Caballero’s first two games back from the injured list before getting back in on Monday, at his regular position. The Yankees plan to have Volpe work out at second base before games he is not starting, though there is no indication he is close to being an option there.
Caballero, meanwhile, could get a start in the outfield during this series against the Royals, which would give Volpe another day in the lineup.
“Whenever I’m in there [the lineup], I’m happy,” Caballero said Monday.
Caballero, who has plenty of history playing other positions, indicated he would only need some pregame work on the days he plays other positions to feel ready there again.
“Between the lines, I feel comfortable,” he said. “I like to be in the lineup, that’s all.”
