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Anthony Volpe gets update on future with Yankees.

The New York Yankees will have an intriguing decision to make on Anthony Volpe.

Volpe is set to begin a rehab assignment soon, and he could be back in the majors later this month or in early May. Once he returns to the Yankees, MLB insider Greg Joyce of The New York Post reports that he will once again be the team’s starting shortstop.

“The time for a rehab assignment is nearing, and could come as early as Tuesday after meeting with the team physician for a final check-up,” Joyce wrote. “But once he’s fully ready to go what will his role with the team be? General manager Brian Cashman gave the strongest indication that he’ll be back as the starting shortstop that we’ve heard since the offseason, confirming “that’s always been the plan” when reporters asked. He did leave a caveat that “ultimately that’ll be the manager’s call” on starting Volpe. But there’s little doubt that the GM and manager will be in lockstep on this.

“José Caballero had a chance to make this a more debatable choice with the starting gig wide open for the first month of the season, but his bat has been ice cold to start the year. A .135/.200/.162 triple-slash isn’t inspiring any confidence, and the team was already inclined to go back to Volpe once healthy after assessing the team in the offseason. Given how dreadful the bottom of the lineup has performed, an early season performer like Volpe could win a lot of favor back in his court by jumping back in with some timely hits.”

Caballero had a chance to win the job, but he has struggled, allowing Volpe to reclaim the job once he returns. However, Volpe could also be on a short leash.

Volpe Begins Rehab Assignment

Volpe missed the beginning of the season after offseason shoulder surgery. But the shortstop is getting closer to returning to the majors.

According to SNY, Volpe is currently penciled in to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday in Double-A. Although his rehab assignment will begin next week, Volpe will likely be in the minors for nearly a month, using it as spring training.

So, despite Volpe getting ready to return to minor-league action, the Yankees’ starting shortstop is still a ways away from returning to the Bronx.

Volpe hit .212 with 19 home runs and 72 RBIs last season.

Yankees Have Confidence in Volpe

Despite Volpe struggling in the field and at the plate last season, the Yankees remain confident in him.

Volpe, at times, has shown flashes of being one of the top shortstops in the MLB. With that, during spring training, Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared high praise for Volpe.

“I still think Anthony’s gonna be a frontline shortstop in this league,” said Boone. “Everyone’s path isn’t linear. We always want it to be, and that can be tough, especially in New York, where you’re kind of finding your way.”

Once Volpe returns from injury, he will reclaim the starting shortstop job. He will also likely be an improvement at the plate than what Caballero and Ryan McMahon have given them.

Volpe won the Gold Glove Award in 2023.