Anthony Volpe's go-ahead single lifts Yankees over Royals KANSAS CITY – The New York Yankees extended their regular-season winning streak against the Kansas City Royals to 11 games with a 4-3 victory at Kauffman Stadium on Monday. The decisive moment came in the ninth inning when Anthony Volpe delivered a two-strike, two-run single to left field, breaking a 2-2 tie and securing the win for the Yankees. This marked the longest winning streak against a single opponent in Yankees history since their 12-game run over the Boston Red Sox in the 2019-2020 seasons. The Royals had taken an early lead in the second inning with a solo home run from Salvador Perez, and they added another run in the sixth inning after a walk from Jake Bird allowed Michael Massey to score on a sacrifice fly. However, the Yankees mounted a comeback in the eighth inning when Bobby Witt Jr. hit a leadoff home run off Bird to tie the game. The Royals regained the lead in the top of the ninth, but the Yankees’ offense responded with a two-out rally. Paul Goldschmidt reached on an infield single, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. advanced him to second with a double, setting the stage for Volpe’s clutch hit. Volpe, who had sat out the previous two games due to José Caballero playing shortstop, stepped up with runners at second and third. Facing Lucas Erceg, the Royals’ closer, Volpe worked a 1-2 count before hitting a single to left-center field. “It just felt great to contribute and help the team win,” Volpe said. “You do it for this, for the guys. I’m just trying to go out there and compete. Help the team win and have fun. It’s the same game I’ve been playing forever. We have really big goals, and it’s going to take all of us.#new_york_yankees #anthony_volpe #kansas_city_royals #jazz_chisholm_jr #kauffman_stadium
Yankees' Aaron Boone Shares Big George Lombard Jr. Outlook The New York Yankees have taken a measured approach with their top prospect George Lombard Jr., who struggled during spring training but remains in their plans for the 2026 MLB season. The 20-year-old shortstop recorded 28 at-bats, hitting .179 with one home run, six RBIs, and two stolen bases, according to MLB.com. Despite his limited offensive output, the Yankees have decided to send him to minor league camp, a move that underscores their focus on long-term development over immediate results. Lombard, who last played above Double-A in 2025, has yet to make his major league debut. Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of refining Lombard’s hitting skills, noting that the young player’s progress will be the key to his future success. “We just need to keep developing the hit tool and continue improving in that area,” Boone said. “He finished at Double-A last year, where he had some struggles but also some success. Right now, the focus is on getting him going. But I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that he’s closer than people think.” Meanwhile, another Yankees shortstop, Anthony Volpe, is nearing a return after undergoing offseason surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. Volpe spoke with YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits about his recovery, describing the process as a “natural progression” of returning to live at-bats. “I feel pretty good about where I’m at, progressing as expected,” he said. “There are still checkpoints I’m not doing yet, but I’m really optimistic and excited. I feel like it’s going to be sooner rather than later.” Volpe, who has never been injured before, expressed determination to move past the setback and make an impact in 2026. “I’m just excited to put it behind me and get back out there,” he added.#yankees #anthony_volpe #aaron_boone #george_lombard_jr #yes_network
Yankees Consider Moving Ryan McMahon to Shortstop Amid Anthony Volpe's Absence The New York Yankees are preparing to adjust their infield strategy ahead of the 2024 season, with a focus on giving Ryan McMahon a chance to play shortstop as Anthony Volpe remains sidelined. While McMahon has primarily been used as a third baseman, the team is open to expanding his role, signaling a shift in their approach to roster flexibility. This decision comes as Volpe, the team’s young shortstop, is expected to miss time due to injury, creating an opportunity for McMahon to step into the position. The Yankees’ willingness to adapt their lineup highlights the importance of having players who can contribute in multiple roles. McMahon’s ability to handle shortstop would provide the team with greater versatility, allowing them to manage their bench more effectively. This move could also ease pressure on Volpe, who has faced challenges in securing a consistent role at the hot corner. Manager Aaron Boone has expressed confidence in McMahon’s potential to play shortstop, stating that he would feel comfortable having the player take on the position in a regular season game. This endorsement suggests the Yankees are seriously considering the idea, rather than treating it as a temporary experiment. Boone’s comments indicate a strategic shift in how the team constructs its infield depth, prioritizing adaptability over rigid positional assignments. If the Yankees proceed with this plan, McMahon’s role will become a critical factor in shaping the team’s infield options. His ability to play shortstop would not only provide immediate flexibility but also enhance the team’s long-term depth.#new_york_yankees #major_league_baseball #anthony_volpe #ryan_mcmahon #aaron_boone
Nationals' Trade Strategy and CJ Abrams' Potential Move to Yankees Washington Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni has demonstrated a willingness to make strategic trades aimed at long-term franchise improvement during his first offseason in charge. His approach has involved acquiring high-upside prospects while parting with projected contributors. For instance, Toboni sent projected closer Jose A. Ferrer to secure star catching prospect Harry Ford, traded high-floor pitcher Jake Bennett for high-upside prospect Luis Perales, and dispatched MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers in exchange for five top-30 prospects, significantly bolstering the Nationals' farm system. Despite these moves, Toboni has avoided unnecessary trades, declining a reported strong offer from the San Francisco Giants for shortstop CJ Abrams. After months of speculation, Abrams is expected to remain with the Nationals for the 2025 season. However, as the team continues its rebuild, Abrams remains a key trade asset. A recent mock trade by Ryan Shea of On SI suggests the Nationals could send Abrams to the New York Yankees in exchange for big league shortstop Anthony Volpe and top-10 prospects Spencer Jones and Chase Hampton. Shea argued that acquiring Volpe would provide the Nationals with an MLB-ready infielder capable of contributing immediately, while Jones and Hampton offer long-term upside. Jones, a 24-year-old outfielder, had a standout 2025 season with 35 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A, a .274/.362/.571 slash line, and 80 RBIs. However, his high strikeout rate—35% of plate appearances with 42% swinging strikeouts—raises concerns about his sustainability. Similarly, Hampton, a 25-year-old pitcher, showed promise with a 3.#new_york_yankees #spencer_jones #paul_toboni #cj_abrams #anthony_volpe
