The MLB season is entering its final stretch, and Anthony Volpe made sure his return to the New York Yankees was impossible to ignore.
The 25-year-old shortstop was recalled by the Yankees ahead of Thursday’s game against the Colorado Rockies after second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right thumb.
Volpe wasted no time making his presence felt. In his first game with the Yankees since Aug. 1, he went 3-for-4 at the plate, delivering an RBI single in his first at-bat before later stealing third base. He saved his biggest moment for the seventh inning, crushing a grand slam that helped propel New York to a commanding 10-3 victory over Colorado.
MORE: Yankees’ George Lombard Jr. joins Mickey Mantle on exclusive franchise list
Volpe finds his swing in Triple-A
Volpe had been demoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Aug. 4, but the move appeared to give him the opportunity to reset and find his confidence at the plate.
The young shortstop was named the International League Player of the Week in early September after going 11-for-21 with three home runs, eight runs scored and five stolen bases from Sept. 1 to 6. He was batting .333 with eight home runs over his previous 17 games with the RailRiders before earning his return to the Bronx.
That production translated immediately Thursday, giving the Yankees an encouraging boost at a crucial point in the season.
MORE: ESPN’s Buster Olney reveals MLB playoff chances for every Wild Card contender
Yankees get timely boost
Volpe’s overall MLB numbers this season have been less impressive. Through 57 games, he entered Thursday batting .251 with 44 hits and just two home runs. His grand slam against the Rockies matched that home-run total for the season and could provide a major confidence boost heading into the final weeks.
The Yankees currently hold the top Wild Card position in the American League, boasting a 10.5-game lead. They are also just three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East.
New York will begin a three-game weekend series against the New York Mets on Friday. If Volpe can carry Thursday’s momentum into the series, his return could give the Yankees another important weapon as they push toward the postseason.
– Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter –