New York Yankees top prospect Anthony Volpe holds hands up after fielding mistake hurts club in loss to Giants
The honeymoon phase between Anthony Volpe and the New York Yankees had to end at some point. The 21-year-old prospect has been nearly flawless since joining the club in spring training. His impressive performances at camp earned the infielder a much-deserved starting spot in the Opening Day lineup.
Saturday's game versus the San Francisco Giants was bittersweet for Volpe. Although he recorded his first ever (and second) MLB hit on the night, he was also responsible for a costly mistake that hurt his team.
Anthony Volpe didn't hide behind excuses and was honest and direct when asked about the miscue:
"It will probably keep me up at night. Definitely felt like I cost the team there."
The Yankees' number one prospect was visibly upset about dropping what many may consider a routine catch. Volpe seemed to have a good jump on the opposite field shot by San Francisco Giant Thairo Estradam, but lost his footing and fell just short.
"It will probably keep me up at night... Just one of those weird plays that I feel like 99 times out of 100 I should make. Definitely felt like I cost the team there." -Anthony Volpe https://t.co/hW4VuSikwh
The fact that the play came at such a critical stage of the game made it that much more difficult for the rookie shortstop.
The Yankees were trailing by just one run in the sixth inning with reliever Michael King looking to work his way out of a bases-loaded situation. The catch would have ended the inning and limited the damage to just one run.
Anthony Volpe has recorded two hits and two stolen bases in his opening two games
Aside from a minor setback for Anthony Volpe, he fits well with the team. He started both of the New York Yankees' games in the shortstop position.
Volpe recorded his first MLB hit last night off Alex Cobb. He pulled an 87 mph slidder from the right-hander into left field for a single to get off the mark. Volpe followed that up with a single to center field in the ninth inning.
.@Volpe_Anthony with his first Major League hit! https://t.co/YQtrMEb9LT
".@Volpe_Anthony with his first Major League hit!" - MLB
Overall, Volpe is 2-6 with one run and two stolen bases after his first two games.
Aaron Boone knew he was taking a risk when he decided to start a 21-year-old with no MLB experience in one of the game's most difficult positions. The young infielder must shake off the mistake and focus on the next game. From what we have seen so far, it appears that Volpe has a promising future in the big leagues.