Jose Caballero Leads AL With 12 Steals as Volpe Returns Loom

jose caballero has turned the Yankees' shortstop job into a harder call than it looked a week ago. On Thursday's day off, he led the American League with 12 steals and was hitting.267/.313/.400 in 30 games, giving New York production while Anthony Volpe keeps building toward a return.

Caballero's speed and bat

Caballero's line is deeper than the steals total. He has three home runs, 11 RBIs, four walks and a 98 OPS+ in 112 plate appearances, and he has reached base with at least one hit in 11 of his last 14 contests.

He has also stacked up five multi-hit efforts. That run gives the Yankees a player who is not just running when he gets on, but also putting together enough contact to stay in the lineup every day.

Volpe's rehab ramp

Anthony Volpe is still working toward his eventual return, and his rehab has been ramping up. He hit.303 in 34 plate appearances across Double-A and Triple-A during that stint, which is the form New York is weighing against Caballero's start.

Aaron Boone was asked earlier this week whether the returning infielder would be back in a full-time role. His answer was simple: "We'll see."

That leaves the Yankees with a real roster decision once Volpe is ready. Caballero has been the starting shortstop, and his early numbers have made the path back far less straightforward than the usual injury return.

Yankees shortstop decision

The practical issue for New York is playing time. Caballero has done enough over 30 games to force the club to keep evaluating the position on merit rather than on reputation or timing alone.

Volpe's bat in the minors gives the Yankees another option, but Caballero's 12 steals and steady recent stretch keep the starting job from being a formality. For the moment, the shortstop spot belongs to the player who has produced the stronger early run.