The New York Yankees’ roster is primarily set for the regular season, but there are still a few decisions the team has to make.
With the regular season less than 10 days away, New York’s starting roster is likely not going to change. The Yankees’ roster is nearly fully healthy, with the only key piece missing from their lineup being three-year veteran shortstop Anthony Volpe. José Caballero will serve as the team’s starting shortstop to open the season, but New York lacks depth at shortstop.
Surprisingly, former All-Star third baseman Ryan McMahon will likely serve as the Yankees’ emergency shortstop early on in the season after making multiple appearances this spring with Volpe injured.
“Last week, infield defense coach/first-base coach Dan Fiorito sat with McMahon and gave him a crash course on the basics of playing shortstop, focusing especially on cutoffs and positioning,” The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty wrote Monday.
“It seems likely McMahon will serve as the Yankees’ emergency backup shortstop early in the season, with Anthony Volpe (left shoulder surgery) likely on the injured list until sometime in May. McMahon has played the position twice this spring — most recently Friday — and the results have been mixed. He’s looked capable athletically, but at times unsure in his decisions.”
Across his nine-year career, McMahon has spent time at every infield position, but has only made two appearances at shortstop. The 31-year-old slugger is a high-level defender known for his strong arm and range, but hopefully the Yankees won’t need him at shortstop before Volpe returns.
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