Yankees could keep young shortstop on the bench

The Yankees made the strategic decision to bench shortstop Anthony Volpe for Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners, giving all-round talent Oswaldo Cabrera a chance to prove his worth.

Volpe's problems on the plate

Volpe has been in a slump in the batter's box for some time, making him a liability for the Yankees' offense, and manager Aaron Boone is faced with a difficult decision for the future.

The 23-year-old shortstop has just a .246/.294/.369 batting average this season, with 11 home runs, 55 RBIs and 26 stolen bases. His 87 wRC+ shows he's 13% worse than the average MLB player, and his recent performance is especially concerning. Since August 1, Volpe has only posted a .219 batting average with a 58 wRC+. In September, his performance has dropped even further, with a -9 wRC+ and a .163 batting average alongside a 33.3% strikeout rate.

A much-needed rest for Volpe

Boone decided to give Volpe a much-needed day of rest, especially considering he's already played in 149 games this season. With the playoffs around the corner, the Yankees need him at his best. In his absence, Oswaldo Cabrera took full advantage of the opportunity on Tuesday, delivering a standout performance with two hits and an RBI. Cabrera has become a valuable player for the Yankees, filling in during times of injury and, in this case, inconsistency.

Cabrera’s strong offensive performance

This season, the 25-year-old all-around player has a .252 batting average with eight home runs and 36 RBIs in 102 games. Since August 1, Cabrera has been on a tear, sporting a .304/.360/.478 slash average with a wRC+ of 139. His ability to play multiple defensive positions at a high level further increases his value, and his offensive boost couldn't have come at a better time for the Yankees.

Yankees want to consolidate their lead in the division

With the Yankees holding a four-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East, they are in a great position to skip the Wild Card round. Boone might consider giving Volpe a few more days of rest, especially if Cabrera continues to play at a high level. With the playoffs approaching, every decision will be critical, and the Yankees need all hands on deck to maintain their momentum and secure their place at the top of the division.