Yankees Put Even More Pressure on Anthony Volpe With Major Move

Yankees Put Even More Pressure on Anthony Volpe With Major Move

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has yet to have an at bat on the major-league level this season, but the Yankees just placed even more pressure on him before even recalling him to the big leagues.

Volpe is currently rehabbing in Triple-A as he continues to make his way back from offseason shoulder surgery, and he is expected to return to the lineup soon.

But after such a rough showing in 2025, the Yankees may be starting to lose patience with the former first-round pick.

You do have to wonder just how long of a leash Volpe will have this year, and after New York's latest move, things became that much scarier for the 24-year-old.

The Yankees have promoted shortstop George Lombard Jr. to Triple-A, bringing the top prospect that much closer to his big-league debut.

Lombard had been slashing .324/.414/.595 with four home runs and 10 RBI over 87 plate appearances in Double-A this season, but clearly, New York feels he is ready for a tougher challenge.

New York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images.

While the Yanks certainly won't be calling Lombard up to the majors just yet and might not even do so at any point in 2026, the message was clear: he is coming, and Volpe needs to be prepared.

Now, I will say that with Jazz Chisholm's impending free agency, the most likely scenario is Volpe shifting over to second base to make room for Lombard at shortstop. But there is a world in which Lombard could supplant Volpe as soon as this season if Volpe struggles upon his return.