First, Alphonso texted that "Ben Rice has been pulled," and the season was over. Later, after The Martian homered, and the season was saved. Then Stang chimed in: "Volpe optioned to Scranton." Bedlam.
The rise and fall of humankind, neatly compressed into nine innings, and dispatched with a sense that the Yankees may have finally stopped believing their own crapola, and are throwing down hard decisions, the kind their fans have wanted for years. Consider...
1. Anthony Volpe to Scranton. This brought a jolt. Most Yank fans believed the team would restore Volpe to starting SS, despite being outperformed by Jose Caballero in almost every comparison - also with the Yankees streaking. But they didn't bite.
Volpe is a decent fielding SS (when not hurt) and a potential 30 HR hitter (19 last year.) He plays hard, always hustles, never whines, remembers birthdays, holds the door for ladies - a fine human being - but over three years, he's hit .222, and that's Jorbit Vivas after a sixpack. Still, it's a hard fall. At Scranton, he'll compete with George Lombard Jr. at SS, and Oswaldo Cabrera for utility IN. Volpe must do what he's never done before: Hit at Triple A. (In two Railrider incarnations, he hit .236 and .267.) Whatever he does, his future might be in another town - another ruthless decision by the brain trust?
2. Luis Gil to Scranton. You can't be Rookie of the Year forever. With an ERA over 6.00, Gil was demoted and replaced with Elmer Rodriguez, who will soon get caught in the shuffle behind Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon. It's a huge logjam for Gil. (FYI: In one start with Scranton, Gil went 4.2 innings and gave up 3 ER; for the Yankees, Elmer went 4 and gave up 2 ER.) Gil might end up in another city, as well.
3. Two weeks ago, they ditched Ryan McMahon for Amed Rosario at 3B. Now, McMahon has started to hit. (His fielding was never questioned.) But Rosario's bat will keep him in the mix. (Also, fun fact: He is one of Suzyn's faves; she devoted an inning to his smile and beloved place on the team, the love of a true mom.)
4. They released Randal Grichuk. This, after Cashman went out of his way to sign Grichuk and send The Martian to Scranton.
5. They benched Paul Goldschmidt against lefties, so Rice can play everyday. Another tough call. Goldy's a legit candidate for the Hall. His presence yesterday tempered the possible loss of Rice (which the Yankees say will only be a day-to-day loss. Sadly, they lie.)
They will soon deal with the return of Giancarlo Stanton, which could send Jasson Dominguez back to Scranton. This won't go over well. Meanwhile, at Triple A, Spencer Jones hit two HRs yesterday, his second multi-HR game in a week.
Would Brian Cashman demand that Stanton play a few rehab games in the minors? Probably not. Stanton is the Grand Old Man. Still, this may be the Yankees' hottest streak of 2026, and they still can't seem to shake Tampa. It's no time to play sentimental faves.
After Baltimore tonight, with Cam Schlittler, they face Texas, with deGrom and Eovaldi lying in wait. This is hardball, people. And today, nobody knows it more than Volpe.
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13 comments:
This is a sad day.
https://www.nj.com/yankees/2026/05/john-sterling-yankees-radio-legend-dead-at-87-wfan-reports.html
If Stanton remains out for longer than expected--not a long-odds bet--and Dominguez keeps hitting like he did yesterday, they need to make room for the kid. Max Schueman, I would hope. What is he even doing up here? And brought up as Stanton's "replacement"? Surely, you jest.
If they Yankee brass is indeed playing more hardball this year, Elmer will go down to make room for Rodon, Duvet should go to make room for Lagrange, Jazz should be shopped aggressively to make room for Oswaldo (at the least, eventually), Bird, maybe, for Chivilli or somebody...
We shall see. I'm not getting my hopes up too high with these executive clowns.
OH NO!!!!!!!! My God, what horrible news.
This is the darkest day in the history of IIH.
Poor Suzyn must be devastated.
A LONG MOMENT OF SILENCE. MASTER HAS LEFT THE STAGE. WE MUST GO ON AND NEVER FORGET HIM. THANK YOU, MISTER STERLING, FOR EVERYTHING.
We are in mourning.
Typed too fast. Meant to write "The Master." Either way, I may tune into the radio broadcast tonight.
Thank you Bitie for bringing this sad news.
Yes, Winnie. The Master has left the Stadium at the highest velocity ever recorded, on his way to that great broadcast booth in the sky.
It was Hinkey, Winnie, but we all share the sadness. Look at what he gave us.
What a wonderful life. More than 50 years of sports broadcasting. He was occasionally maddening and often repetitive, but he clearly enjoyed his own schtick. Sad news.
YES must have or be quickly planning a tribute program.
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