Frustrated yet hopeful: Aaron Boone explains Anthony Volpe benching

Volpe fails to impress in spring training

A slumping performance in spring training has cost Anthony Volpe his spot in the New York Yankees’ Opening Day lineup. Manager Aaron Boone has decided to sit the highly touted shortstop in favor of veteran Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

Volpe batted just .200 with one home run and five RBIs in 28 spring training games. He also committed four errors in the field. Boone said he was “a little concerned” about Volpe’s performance, but he remains confident in the young shortstop.

“I think he’s got a really bright future,” Boone said. “I just think right now, we need to give him a little bit of a break and let him get his feet wet a little bit.”

Boone: Volpe will get more chances

Boone said Volpe will still get plenty of playing time this season. He is expected to start at shortstop against left-handed pitchers and could also see time at second base.

“I’m not giving up on him,” Boone said. “I still believe in him. I just think this is the best thing for him right now.”

Yankees add infielder to roster

In a corresponding move, the Yankees have added infielder Oswald Peraza to the 26-man roster. Peraza hit .259 with two home runs and seven RBIs in spring training.

The Yankees open the regular season on Friday against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium.