Anthony Volpe's reported 'imminent' return screams Yankees favoritism

Anthony Volpe is making his way back from major shoulder surgery, but that hasn't stopped the New York Yankees from doing everything in their power to get him back on the roster despite an 18-9 record after Saturday night's win.

On Sunday morning, it was reported Volpe is set to re-join the Yankees this week "between Wednesday and Thursday" ... which couldn't make less sense if it were true. The Yankees have their series finale against the Astros on Sunday, followed by a three-game set against the Rangers Monday-Wednesday, a day off on Thursday, and then a six-game homestand beginning on Friday.

At the very least, Volpe should be rejoining the team on Friday, getting as many reps in during his rehab as possible. And even then, the Yankees told fans he would need the equivalent of a full slate of spring training before returning to the big league roster. He has logged just 22 at-bats in seven games. If he were to play a few games this week, he'd maybe be at 35.

You'd think the organization would use the current hot streak alongside Jose Caballero's impressive stretch to their advantage, allowing Volpe to continue to get comfortable with his new swing mechanics. Not to mention, his defense has not looked great.

But you just know the front office and Aaron Boone cannot wait to get Volpe into action because this is how they operate. They gladly bide their time with anybody else, but not Volpe. They'll let him play through a torn labrum. They'll let him slump into oblivion. They'll bring him at the early side of his return timetable when there's absolutely no need to.

Yankees cannot wait to displace Jose Caballero in favor of Anthony Volpe

Boone said he wants Volpe "ready to go pretty much every day" when he returns to the Yankees. That makes perfect sense, but that's not how he's been handled during his current rehab assignment. He's gotten multiple off days since getting back on the field.

The plan was always for Caballero to take a back seat to Volpe upon the youngster's return, but the organization seemed to hint there would be a competition of sorts if Volpe scuffled. Well, fans will be sure to hold the front office to that because the jury is very much still out on Volpe's capabilities as an everyday shortstop. Those will further be under a microscrope if he's seemingly returning prematurely.

Back in December, the Yankees said they didn't anticipate Volpe returning before May. What're the odds he's truly ready by May 1?

There's not a Yankee fan out there (well, maybe a few crazies) who doesn't want to see Volpe succeed. If he lived up to his top prospect pedigree, the Yankees would be so much better off and there would be far fewer vitriolic headlines surrounding arguably the most important position on the field.

But the Yankees keep shooting themselves in the foot with their golden boy, and it's very much feeling like it's going to continue in that direction if Volpe is suiting up for them this week.

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