New York Yankees exploring interesting position change, which could lead to end of Anthony Volpe on team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees are continuing to experiment with their lineup and defense, as the team looks for potential options ahead of the season due to injuries. One of the more interesting decisions recently involves veteran third baseman Ryan McMahon, who was asked to play shortstop.
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Skipper Aaron Boone knows he needs bodies to play throughout 162, and McMahon doing so would be a positive.
According to Dan Martin of the New York Post, Boone liked McMahon at short, but he needs to get better still.
“Ryan McMahon started at shortstop, with Cody Bellinger at first base, as Aaron Boone looks to get them work at unfamiliar positions in case the need arises during the season. Bellinger is already comfortable at first and McMahon was relatively smooth at short, though Boone said he was a tick slow on getting in position on a potential relay play,” he wrote.
The experiment shows that the Yankees know things will happen. With players like Cody Bellinger already comfortable moving between positions, the team hopes to add even more flexibility to its defensive options.
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For McMahon, the opportunity will simply be about being ready. Even if he rarely appears at shortstop during the regular season, having the ability to step in if needed would be valuable.
Whether it becomes a regular part of the Yankees remains to be seen, but Boone and the rest of the staff are trying it out, and it’s noticeable.
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