Volpe Benched For Caballero!

I didn’t want to be the guy that clearly understood how this was going to play out… but I am and I’m glad about it.

Reports are Boone is not playing Volpe in this Sunday night finale against the Red Sox.  And sure…Aaron Boone didn’t want to bench Anthony Volpe tonight — but the fans didn’t exactly leave him a choice. The boos have been loud, the errors louder, and at some point, even Boone has to stop pretending this is all part of some “long-term plan.” So, on Sunday Night Baseball against the Red Sox, Volpe’s out, José Caballero’s in, and honestly? It’s about time.

The Yankees have been treating Caballero like a glorified spare tire when, in reality, the guy might be their best defensive player. He’s got the range, the glove, and the instincts — and yet somehow he’s been stuck playing musical chairs while Volpe keeps turning shortstop into a defensive disaster zone. This isn’t calculus: find the biggest defensive liability on the roster — hi, Anthony — and put Caballero there. Done. Simple. Should’ve been done weeks ago.

Now, will Volpe somehow still sneak his way into a “big moment” tonight? Probably. Because Aaron Boone loves nothing more than forcing redemption arcs down our throats when it comes to his boy toy. I can already hear the postgame presser: “Anthony needed that moment, you know, it’ll be great for his confidence.” Spare us. If I’m the Yankees, Volpe doesn’t see the field again until at least Labor Day — and even then, only if Caballero decides to go on a two-week meditation retreat in Bali or something.

Here’s the reality: it’s late August. There’s no more time for “development,” no more patience for “growing pains,” and absolutely no justification for trotting out your worst player night after night in the middle of a playoff race. The best players need to play. Period. Volpe hasn’t been one of them. Caballero has.

And if we’re being honest, the best-case scenario here is for Caballero to channel his inner Lou Gehrig, lock down shortstop, and Wally Pipp Volpe straight into permanent bench duty. No more experiments. No more excuses. Volpe sits. Caballero shines. Boone stays out of the way.

For once, the Yankees made the obvious call but only because it was glaringly obvious and the fans have had enough. 

Let’s just hope they don’t undo it by the fifth inning. Remember, Boone’s been known to be stupid.