Volpe’s 1st spring HR a sign of things to come
BRADENTON, Fla. — It was the highest of the primary inning on Thursday, and Anthony Volpe’s stance within the batter’s field drew his supervisor’s consideration. The Yankees’ No. 1 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, appeared to have his decrease half set effectively, showcasing type that tasks to drive the ball with energy to all fields.
So when Volpe cleared the left-field wall with a leadoff shot to the boardwalk space at LECOM Park, Aaron Boone stated that he wasn’t shocked. The 21-year-old’s first Grapefruit League homer bought the afternoon began with a bang in New York’s 9-1 victory over the Pirates.
“It’s just been great to play again, with a bunch of great teammates and great guys that have been down here for a while,” Volpe stated. “We’ve been training really hard, and everyone’s kind of had these days circled on the calendar to just get back on the field and get back to competing against other [teams], not just each other.”
Volpe hit 21 homers final season in 132 video games for Double-A Somerset (18) and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (3), batting a mixed .249/.342/.460. Boone stated that he sees extra energy to come back from the 5-foot-11, 180-pound infielder.
“He’s strong,” Boone stated. “Great lower half, stays in the ground really well. You see him sit down in his legs, and he doesn’t get cheated. You can see him drive the ball out the other way. He’s not tall, but he’s thick and pretty stout.”
Added pitcher Lou Trivino, who pitched a scoreless inning to start out Thursday’s recreation: “I’ve heard some really good things. He’s a great talent, and it was cool to see that on display today. He can definitely handle the bat. He’s a really good defender and seems like a good clubhouse kid.”
Volpe’s homer got here off Pittsburgh right-hander Mitch Keller, who stated that he was shocked Volpe went after the pitch, an 84.1 mph sweeper that was up and away.
“Out of my hand, I knew it was not a good pitch; it was a ball,” Keller stated. “Then he got it. He’s a good hitter.”
Volpe additionally stroked a sixth-inning single, ending his day 2-for-3 with a stroll and a strikeout. Vying for reps with Isiah Kiner-Falefa and No. 3 prospect Oswald Peraza, Volpe is probably going ticketed to start the season at Triple-A, having registered solely 99 plate appearances at that stage.
But Volpe isn’t making it a straightforward name within the early going, stroking 4 hits in 11 at-bats (.364) with a double, homer and two stolen bases.
“I’ve got high expectations, and he’s come in and gotten after it,” Boone stated. “It’s in line with the reputation he’s earned in our organization. He works hard. You can tell he loves the game. I think of our captain, Aaron Judge — one of the things that stands out is he loves the game. So you get into the little things, watching and looking to find a little bit of an edge — he’s always doing that.”
During Spring Training, beginning gamers who exit the sport early are free to decorate in road garments and depart the ballpark, however Volpe had little interest in doing so. As he did earlier within the week for a highway recreation in opposition to the Blue Jays, Volpe remained within the dugout till the ultimate out, cheering on his teammates as they tried to complete off a no-hitter that was damaged up within the ninth.
“For me, it’s not really too much of a story,” Volpe stated. “Those guys watched us in the beginning part of the game, and those are guys I’ve played with for the last couple of years. I’m excited for them. It’s a huge opportunity for all of us. I just want to support them any way I can.”
