The New York Yankees will begin the 2026 MLB season without their regular shortstop Anthony Volpe. As the team opens the campaign against the San Francisco Giants, Volpe will not be available because he is still recovering from a shoulder injury.
His absence leaves a noticeable gap in one of the most important defensive positions on the field, forcing the Yankees to adjust their lineup early in the season.
Anthony Volpe Injury Details
| Player | Anthony Volpe |
|---|---|
| Team | New York Yankees |
| Position | Shortstop |
| Injury | Left Shoulder |
| Surgery | October 2025 |
Volpe suffered a shoulder injury during the 2025 season. The issue affected his left shoulder, which is his non-throwing side. After initially hurting the shoulder in May, he aggravated the injury again in September before eventually undergoing surgery in October.
The procedure required a recovery period that extended into the start of the 2026 MLB season.
Why Volpe Is Not Playing
Volpe’s recovery from shoulder surgery is the main reason he is not part of the Yankees’ opening lineup.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Injury | May 2025 |
| Re-injury | September 2025 |
| Surgery | October 2025 |
| Recovery | Continuing into 2026 season |
Although the injury is not on his throwing shoulder, it still impacts his ability to swing the bat and perform at full strength.
Expected Return Timeline
The Yankees do not expect Volpe to miss a long portion of the season.
| Recovery Update | Status |
|---|---|
| Batting Practice | Expected soon |
| Return Timeline | Early season absence |
Volpe himself suggested that he expects to return relatively soon. When asked about when he would be able to take batting practice again, his response was simply that it would happen “soon.”
Yankees Shortstop Replacement
While Volpe continues his recovery, the Yankees are expected to rely on Jose Caballero to handle shortstop duties.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Jose Caballero | Starting Shortstop Replacement |
Caballero joined the Yankees during last season’s trade deadline after arriving from the Tampa Bay Rays. He quickly became known for his speed and energetic style of play.
Also see: Blake Snell Injury Update: Dodgers Ace Set to Miss Start of 2026 Season
What Caballero Brings to the Lineup
| Skill | Strength |
|---|---|
| Speed | Among the fastest players in MLB |
| Defense | Reliable shortstop coverage |
| Offensive Impact | Performed well after trade to Yankees |
His quickness on the field and ability to contribute offensively make him a logical option while the Yankees wait for Volpe’s return.
Impact on Yankees Early Season
Starting the season without Volpe is not ideal for New York, especially because the shortstop position plays a major role in both defense and offensive rhythm.
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Defense | Key infield leadership missing |
| Lineup Stability | Temporary adjustment |
| Team Depth | Caballero stepping in |
Even so, the Yankees remain optimistic that the absence will be short-lived and that Volpe will return once he is fully comfortable swinging the bat again.
Until then, the team will rely on Caballero to keep the position stable as the 2026 season gets underway.
