The New York Yankees fortified their roster after losing Juan Soto this past winter, but it’s going to be hard to endure the latest injuries. After going without Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu this season, the team has now lost second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. to a prolonged stint on the injured list as well. And now the Yankees could lose shortstop Anthony Volpe after he felt a “pop” in his shoulder during Saturday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays.
“Anthony Volpe was at the center of a concerned huddle during the eighth inning on Saturday, grimacing as his left shoulder was put through a battery of strength-test exercises on the left side of the Yankee Stadium infield,” according toMLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “It seemed impossible not to consider a worst-case scenario.” After the game, Volpe voiced some optimism that he’s avoided a serious injury. But the Yankees are likely to put him through some additional testing before ruling out that worst case.
If Volpe does miss some significant playing time, the Yankees could be forced to seek an external reinforcement for the infield. And Athlon Sports’ Conor Liguori suggested they might look to reunite with utility infielder Jon Berti, who helped them reach the World Series last season before joining the Chicago Cubs this past winter. “One club that could use Berti’s services is the New York Yankees, who are left with Oswald Peraza, Jorbit Vivas, and Pablo Reyes as second base options after Jazz Chilsholm Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain,” Liguori wrote. “If the Yankees were to show interest in a reunion with Berti, the Cubs could use a potential deal to improve their struggling bullpen.”
If the loss of Chisholm might have pushed the Yankees to inquire about Berti, then Volpe’s injury scare could compel it. Berti has placed around the diamond throughout his eight-year big-league career, including significant time at second base and third base, as well as a handful of starts at shortstop for the Miami Marlins. Berti’s familiarity with the Yankees could push a potential trade over the finish line in the near future.
