Jose Caballero injury blow had better not bring Anthony Volpe to Yankees forefront

The New York Yankees have to lead the league in accidental injuries beyond their control over the past three weeks (niche category). Jose Caballero, out of Monday's lineup mysteriously, might have the most impactful tweak of them all.

Caballero announced prior to Monday's contest in Baltimore that he hurt his middle finger diving back to the bag in the final inning of Sunday's walk-off loss in Milwaukee. He doesn't believe it's fractured, but won't know for certain until he has an MRI, something he has yet to do. He also doesn't believe it'll require an IL stint but, well ... that's what they all say. Ben Rice sat for four games and avoided one, but usually that's the kiss o' death.

Despite the odds, the Yankees need to hope against hope that Caballero's correct here, because Max Schuemann isn't a viable long-term solution, and Anthony Volpe ... ? Well, he cannot be counted upon for a surprise elevation with the Yankees suddenly mired in the middle of a losing jag.

Yankees desperately need Jose Caballero's health to answer the Anthony Volpe question for them

Caballero may not be the Yankees' best player, but he's been an essential agitator who's already matched Volpe's 2025 WAR in 110 fewer games. In the same way that Volpe was oddly irreplaceable last April, Caballero sort of cannot be touched these days. They can't sustain this level of play and intensity without him. They can't turn to Oswald Peraza, either, which would be a nice alternative at the moment.

Volpe's play has somehow been even worse since the inflection point when the Yankees decided to let his rehab assignment run out. His OPS with the "new swing" has clattered down to .570 and he's firmly in experimental mode. Now is not the time to bring him to the surface - for so many reasons. The vitriol from the fanbase. The readiness of the player. The symbolism.

We're losing our minds already, despite the (hopeful) reality that Caballero won't miss any extended time whatsoever. Come on, Cabby. Don't make us even think about an accelerated Volpe timeline. Heal up and rest well.

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