Anthony Volpe passes first major Yankees test in clutch comeback win over Royals

When the New York Yankees decided not to option Anthony Volpe on Friday and instead sent Spencer Jones back to Triple-A, fans knew they were in for it. That was confirmation Aaron Boone was going to be utilizing Volpe at shortstop and moving Jose Caballero around.

It also meant Volpe needed to prove himself. He had competition for playing time because Boone hinted Caballero was likely to record a majority of the starting reps at shortstop. And right when he came off the IL, he started Friday and Sunday (Saturday's game was rained out) while Volpe sat on the bench.

It wasn't until Monday against the Royals we saw both of them in the starting lineup. Volpe got the start at shortstop and Caballero at third. We were hoping for offensive production from the two of them because that was the only way we'd see them on the field at the same time.

So far, the early returns have been everything Boone and the front office had envisioned. Caballero went 1-for-4 with an RBI and Volpe went 1-for-3 with a walk and the game-winning two run single in the top of the ninth. It might've been the clutchest regular season moment of his career.

Down 1-2 in the count to Royals closer Lucas Erceg with two outs and runners on second and third, Volpe poked a slider into left field with his new-look swing. He wasn't overexerting. He saw the pitch he wanted, reached out, and got good wood on it. That's the approach the Yankees need from the bottom of their lineup. New york took home the 4-3 victory and the Rays lost.

Yankees might've found out Anthony Volpe responds better to competition

Caballero had a two-out RBI of his own in the second inning that proved to be crucial when all was said and done. We're not going to get too ahead of ourselves, but this infield arrangement, allowing Boone to bench Ryan McMahon and/or give rest days to Jazz Chisholm Jr. and his corner outfielders could change everything about the Yankees roster.

There's a chance this was nothing but a flash-in-the-pan moment. A tease of what a good thing happening might look like. But there's no reason to be pessimistic. We can surely question the motive, but why be frustrated before the process isn't yielding the right results?

Volpe had his third year in the majors derailed due to a shoulder injury, and he's now on the other side of that. Caballero is comfortable in New York and profiles better as a super utility option anyway. With Caballero's athleticism and versatility, all the Yankees need is for Volpe not to be a black hole in the batter's box. Play solid defense, put up competitive at-bats at the bottom of the order, and come through every once in a while like Monday.

That was a big test to pass for the 25-year-old, who very much controls his own destiny to rewrite his Yankees career.

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