The New York Yankees are going through a slump in June with the Tampa Bay Rays catching upto to the American League East leaders. Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has copped criticism amid the team's struggles.
Volpe is struggling at the plate this season as the shortstop is batting .230 with nine home runs. While Volpe's four hits in his last 11 games heading into Friday's game against the Athletics are concerning, his AL-leading nine errors have fans running out of patience.
Amid the criticism, MLB insider Bryan Hoch defended the under-fire shortstop. Hoch believes Volpe's struggles have been blown out of proportion.
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Hoch said the 24-year-old doesn't need to perform like Yankees icon Derek Jeter or one of the top shortstops in MLB, Bobby Witt Jr.
"You can win with Anthony Volpe at shortstop. The Yankees proved it last year. They went to the World Series with him, uh, he's not going to be Derek Jeter. He doesn't have to be Derek Jeter. He doesn't have to be Bobby Witt Jr. He just needs to be the best version of Anthony Volpe and that's good enough for the Yankees. I really do believe that."MLB journalist dismisses Anthony Volpe snub by Yankees
Anthony Volpe's slump in June has sparked trade rumors, with reports suggesting the shortstop could be benched by the Yankees. However, Athlon Sports' Jake Elman believes Volpe's place is not under threat, but the Yankees are looking to add infield depth at the trade deadline next month.
"The Yankees remain committed to Volpe, and there are no indications that a benching is imminent," Elman wrote. "In fact, the Yankees haven’t been linked to a shortstop in trade talks despite the team reportedly seeking an infielder."Although Volpe went hitless in his only plate appearance in Friday's series opener against the Athletics, the Yankees' shortstop drove in a run for the team in a 3-0 win.
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Edited by Chaitanya Prakash