Mackenzie Blackwood was in the starters net at practice on Monday, May 11, hours before game time. But Avalanche coach Jared Bednar wasn't ready to announce his starting goalie.
Blackwood replaced Scott Wedgewood in Game 3 after giving up Minnesota's third goal early in the second period. He stopped 12 of 13 shots in his first appearance in the 2026 playoffs.
"Like I said at the start of the playoffs, we're probably going to need both guys," Bednar said Monday. "That's how we ran all year. We have confidence in both guys. Mackenzie's ready to play. He wants the net."
The Avalanche lead the second-round series 2-1 after the Wild beat the Avalanche in Game 3.
Here is the NHL bracket as the playoffs continue Monday night:
NHL game tonight (Monday, May 11)
Colorado Avalanche at Minnesota Wild, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Colorado at Minnesota odds
Betting lines by BetMGM as of 6 p.m. ET on Monday, May 11
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 04: Alex Freeland #76 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on May 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — For the first time since April 4, the Dodgers have Mookie Betts back after he missed 32 games with a strained oblique. To make room on the active roster, Alex Freeland was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Betts is batting second for the Dodgers on Friday night.
Betts played two rehab games with Oklahoma City, which was news in and of itself because he hadn’t previously played in the minors since 2015 despite a handful of other injured-list stints. Betts singled in each of his games with the Comets and also added a walk, and played 11 total innings at shortstop on Friday and Saturday.
Freeland in spring training won the heavy side of a platoon second base, which shifted into more regular playing time once Betts was injured, in total starting 31 of the Dodgers’ 40 games at second base, where he totaled three outs above average (tied for fifth in the majors) and three defensive runs saved (tied for eighth).
Freeland hit .235/.309/.337 with an 86 wRC+, two home runs, and four doubles, and the second-highest strikeout rate (28.6 percent) on the team.
This means more playing time at second base for Hyeseong Kim, an excellent defender in his own right who started 24 of the 32 games at shortstop with Betts on the injured list. Kim since returning from Triple-A in April hit .289/.353/.395 with a 114 wRC+, three doubles, a home run, and a triple.
“What it came down to is Hyeseong performed better. Alex did everything we asked as far as playing defense and being a pro, learning and taking good at-bats. The last 10 days has been really good as far as getting on base,” manager Dave Roberts said. “But at that point, given Hyeseong some runway given the way he’s performed since he’s been here, we felt that was fair.”
“It’s more overall infield coverage. Having Hyeseong and Alex on the roster at the same time then trying to play both sides as far as playing time, versus letting them both play an ample amount of time, that’s kind of how we looked at it,” Roberts said. “Espinal can give Max [Muncy] a day versus a left-handed pitcher, he can pop over to short or second base if we need him.
“Putting it all together, letting Alex go play every day [in Triple-A], letting Hyeseong get the lion’s share at second base, that’s what we thought was best.”
Record-breaking slugger Harjas Singh is one step closer towards making a long-awaited professional debut, earning a rookie contract with Cricket New South Wales for the 2026/27 season.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Harrison Bader #9 of the San Francisco Giants bats against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oracle Park on April 08, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants are kicking off a road trip tonight when they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers. And, as expected, there are some reinforcements meeting them in Southern California. On Monday afternoon, a few hours before the start of their four-game set with their hated rivals, the Giants announced that center fielder Harrison Bader had been activated off of the 10-Day Injured List, while right-handed reliever Tristan Beck had been called up. To make space for that pair, right-hander Dylan Smith and catcher Logan Porter were optioned to AAA Sacramento.
Beck, who has a 5.40 ERA and a 3.15 FIP in AAA this year, is called up for the first time this season, after appearing in 31 Major League games a year ago. The move is primarily about getting a fresh arm after a taxing weekend series: during Saturday’s blowout loss, the Giants used five relievers (not counting infielder Christian Koss), who threw 119 pitches; during Sunday’s 12-inning affair, they called on six relief arms (including Smith) to throw 98 pitches. Now they at least get a rested arm up against a deadly Dodgers lineup.
As for Bader, he returns after six rehab games with Sacramento. Bader hit 4-18 during his rehab, with two home runs, three walks, five strikeouts, and one stolen base. The Giants are hoping that full health mixed with his time in AAA will fix Bader’s offense, as he hit just 6-52 with one home run, one double, two walks, and 17 strikeouts before landing on the IL. Watch out, Harrison: that kind of offense will get you shipped out to Cleveland, no matter how good your defense is!
Smith and Porter return to Sacramento after very brief stays with the Giants. Smith pitched in one game, and recorded two outs (while walking a batter), while Porter only appeared as a pinch runner. The Giants are back down to two catchers (Jesús Rodríguez and Eric Haase), though they might go back to three when Daniel Susac is done with his rehab.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Ryan Weathers #40 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during their game at Yankee Stadium on May 02, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was an ugly weekend in Milwaukee for the Yankees, as they suffered their second series sweep of the season at the hands of a stout Brewers team that overwhelmed them with some sensational pitching and out-executed them late in games. Let’s chalk it up to revenge from Torpedo-gate.
A new series begins today in Baltimore, as the Yankees look to keep beating on the subpar teams that populate the American League, as they did to the Orioles in a historic four-game sweep last week in the Bronx.
Ryan Weathers makes his return to the mound for the Yankees after being scratched from his last start against the Texas Rangers due to an illness. In his first seven starts as a Yankee, he’s 2-2 with a 3.03 ERA (140 ERA+) and 3.58 FIP with 45 strikeouts in 38.2 innings. Weathers will get another crack at an Orioles lineup that he dominated for five innings in his last start before unraveling with a five-run lead in the sixth (although two runs were unearned due to an error). He’s already thrown more innings than he did last year!
The merry-go-round of the Orioles’ rotation continues with Brandon Young making his fifth start of the season tonight at Camden Yards. He’s improved considerably from his disastrous 12 starts in 2025, pitching to a 4.35 ERA and 4.81 FIP in 20.2 innings with just 14 strikeouts to eight walks. Three of his four starts have been perfectly adequate for the O’s, but he does have a late April blowup against the Astros on his ledger.
Young’s peripherals are mostly below average, particularly his strikeout and whiff rates. He does a good job getting hitters to chase and is solid at limiting barrels, but he gives up too much hard contact for him to be an effective starter. Against lefties, the 27-year-old is a pretty even two-pitch pitcher with fastballs and splitters, but he mixes in considerably more sliders and sinkers against righties with the occasional curveball. The splitter has gotten absolutely hammered in the early going, which doesn’t serve him well against a lefty-heavy lineup.
Trent Grisham leads off for the Yankees in front of Ben Rice, Aaron Judge, and Cody Bellinger. Ryan McMahon has been swinging a hot bat lately and slides up to sixth, as Spencer Jones DHs and bats seventh. Max Schuemann is in for José Caballero, who suffered a finger injury and is due to be evaluated tomorrow.
Taylor Ward leads off for Baltimore, followed by the slumping Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and the warming Pete Alonso. They’d love to get Tyler O’Neill going in the five-hole, while continuing to get production from Samuel Basallo and Leody Taveras behind him. Weston Wilson and Blaze Alexander round out the lineup.
How to watch
Location: Oriole Park at Camden Yards — Baltimore, MD
First pitch: 6:35 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, MASN
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), 98 Rock 97.9 FM, WBAL 1090 AM (BA. L) n
A PWHL playoff game is being postponed by the league “due to player safety concerns related to illness.”
Game 5 of the opening-round series between the Minnesota Frost and Montreal Victoire was supposed to take place on Monday in a winner-take-all semifinal showdown that will now have to be rescheduled.
The PWHL said in its announcement that medical assessment had ruled that the symptoms “are not consistent” with Hantavirus, though the league didn’t say who is ill.
Minnesota Frost forward Élizabeth Giguère (18) reaches for the puck as Montreal Victoire goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens (35) and Victoire defenseman Maggie Flaherty (91) defend during the third period of Game 3. AP
“The decision was made following consultation with medical personnel and in accordance with the league’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of players, fans, staff and all those involved in the competition,” the PWHL said in a statement. “A rescheduled date for the game will be announced as soon as medical guidance determines it is appropriate to resume play. An update will be provided to fans within the next day.”
The first-round series between Minnesota and Montreal tied at 2 game apiece, and the winner will advance to face the Ottawa Charge in the Walter Cup final. The Frost have won the PWHL title during the league’s first two years of existence.
The postponement could create a scheduling headache for the PWHL as it tries to find a date to play Game 5. Place Bell has open dates on Tuesday and Wednesday, but it’s unclear if they would want to schedule a game on the same day the Montreal Canadiens face the Buffalo Sabres at Bell Centre in Game 4 of the second-round NHL playoff series.
Montreal Victoire fans cheer on their team during warmups ahead of their PWHL playoff hockey game against the Minnesota Frost in Laval, Quebec Saturday, May 2, 2026. AP
The league announced earlier in the day that Games 3 and 4 of the Walter Cup final would take place on May 18 and May 20, though that could now change due to the postponement.
Sean Higgins is one step closer to facing trial in the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
A New Jersey judge denied a motion Monday that would have sent key evidence back to a grand jury, ruling that blood-alcohol evidence against Higgins can be presented to a jury at trial.
The case will continue as scheduled.
Higgins’ attorney had argued that his blood-alcohol level at the time of the August 2024 crash was improperly collected and actually below the legal limit. Defense lawyers said plasma rather than whole blood was tested, putting his actual blood alcohol level was 0.075. That would be below New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08. Prosecutors put the figure at 0.87.
A trooper at the scene noted Higgins' breath smelled like alcohol, and the driver admitted to drinking five or six beers before the crash. He also failed a field sobriety test.
It is the latest in a string of pretrial defeats for the defense. New Jersey Superior Court Judge Michael Silvano has already denied motions to suppress evidence from Higgins’ vehicle, ruled his statements to police we lawfully obtained and rejected the arguments that the Gaudreau brothers' own drinking contributed to their deaths. An appellate judge also denied a motion to appeal the Miranda ruling in January.
Higgins, who was employed at a nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment center at the time of the crash, rejected a plea that would have resulted in a 35-year prison sentence. He faces up to 70 years if convicted on all counts, which include two counts each of reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter, along with evidence tampering and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey on the evening of Aug. 29, 2024. It was the eve of their sister’s wedding when Higgins struck them while attempting to pass slower-moving vehicles. Both died at the scene.
René Cárdenas, a broadcasting pioneer who became the first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster for domestic audiences in MLB history when he began working for the Dodgers in 1958, has died at 96 years old.
According to the Astros, one of three teams Cárdenas worked for during his decades-long career, he passed away at his home in Houston on Sunday.
René Cárdenas became the first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster for domestic audiences in MLB history when he began working for the Dodgers in 1958. AP
A native of Nicaragua –– where one of his grandfathers was not only president of the country in the late 19th century, but also introduced baseball to the nation –– Cárdenas was hired by the Dodgers shortly after they moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, calling games on AM radio during their years playing at the Coliseum.
In 1962, he moved to Houston to work for the Astros (then known as the Colt .45s), becoming their director of Spanish broadcasting. In that role, he organized and produced the first international radio network in MLB history, which reached 13 countries in Central and South America, according to the Los Angeles Times.
In 1981, Cárdenas was hired by the Texas Rangers as the first Spanish broadcaster in their club’s history.
Then, in 1982, he returned to the Dodgers, where he would remain through 1998 while working alongside Jaime Jarrín –– another Spanish-language broadcasting legend who originally joined the Dodgers a year after Cárdenas in 1959.
Among his many career highlights, Cárdenas was part of several other Spanish-language broadcasting firsts, including the 1959 World Series and 1961 All-Star Game.
He also returned to the Astros in 2008 to call games on TV in the United States for the first time in his career.
“We mourn the passing of René Cárdenas, who in 1958 with the Dodgers became the first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster in MLB history and would ultimately spend 21 years behind the mic for Los Angeles,” the Dodgers said in a statement. “We send our condolences to his loved ones.”
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 30: Brandon Young #63 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Houston Astros in game two of a doubleheader at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 30, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Orioles will look to pick up their first win over the Yankees tonight. Baltimore found itself on the wrong end of a four-game sweep at the beginning of May.
Taylor Ward will leadoff and play left field. Adley Rutschman will handle the catching duties, but Samuel Basallo will still start as the DH against LHP Ryan Weathers. The lefty opponent will lead to Weston Wilson at third base and Blaze Alexander at second.
Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso will complete the infield. Tyler O’Neill will get a chance in right, and Leody Taveras will play up the middle.
Brandon Young will get the start for Baltimore.
There’s absolutely no benefit to dropping a fifth consecutive game to the Yankees. The Orioles will need their struggling offense to backup Young as he faces Aaron Judge and a talented New York lineup.
You can check out more about the three-game set against the Yankees here.
Edit: Samuel Basallo was scratched with left knee discomfort. MASN’s Roch Kubatko reported that the discomfort was a product of yesterday’s collision at the plate. Additionally, the Orioles selected the contract of LHP Josh Walker. The team optioned RHP Trey Gibson.
Mathys Tel scored a wonderful goal and conceded a penalty as Spurs got one more point in the fight against relegation
1 min: Peeeeep! Leeds, clad all in black (well, black and some funny blurry shapes), get the game going.
The players are out! The display of flags was a little underwhelming, only partly because if you’re watching on TV it was mostly covered up by a sequence of graphics.
NEW YORK - JANUARY 22: Danilo gallinari #8 of the New York Knicks shoots a three-pointer against Ron Artest #37 of the Los Angeles Lakers on January 22, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Just hours after Knicks fans collectively exhaled at the news that OG Anunoby had avoided a major hamstring injury, I got the opportunity to hop on a call with former Knick Danilo Gallinari.
Before getting into basketball, there was one thing worth acknowledging first: Gallinari had just won a BSN (Baloncesto Superior Nacional) championship. When congratulated on the title, he seemed pleasantly surprised that it was brought up, flashing a brief but unmistakably genuine smile before offering a quick thank you.
For a player whose NBA journey began in New York, it felt only natural to start with his first impressions of the Knicks organization and the city itself. “I didn’t know much about the organization,” Gallinari admitted. Relaxed and candid throughout the conversation, he explained how the franchise laid out its vision for the future after drafting him in 2008 before joking, “Obviously I didn’t stay long,” with a laugh.
His introduction to the NBA, however, came rather brutally. “When most people think about a welcome moment, it’s good,” Gallinari said. His was anything but. Even now, he recalled the week of February 1, 2009 in remarkable detail. First came Kobe Bryant, who walked into Madison Square Garden and dropped 61 points on the Knicks in what was then the highest-scoring game ever by an opposing player at the arena. Two nights later, LeBron James followed with 52 points, 11 assists, and what Gallinari still remembers as a triple-double, despite one rebound later being taken away.
For Knicks fans, those games remain burned into memory for all the wrong reasons. But for Gallinari, the welcome tour still wasn’t over. That Friday, the defending champion Boston Celtics came into the Garden and beat New York 110-100. More than anything, Gallinari remembered the awe of suddenly sharing the floor with the biggest stars in basketball night after night.
That experience, he explained later in the conversation, is part of what makes New York such a difficult place to play. “You got to be strong-minded,” he said. “New York is a tough place to play with tough fans, so you have to be able to take that.”
Because of how the latter stages of his career unfolded, it can be easy to forget just how productive Gallinari was at his peak. Across a 10-season stretch, the 6’10” forward averaged 16.7 points per game while building a reputation as one of the league’s most skilled offensive forwards. A player capable of handling the ball, shooting from deep, posting up smaller defenders, and attacking off the dribble, Gallinari was a very good player for a very long time.
Naturally, that versatility meant drawing some difficult defensive assignments. When asked about that, after pausing for a few seconds, Gallinari gave his answer decisively. “Metta World Peace.” Then came a few more names. “Tony Allen, Kawhi [Leonard], Draymond [Green]. They defended me well.”
The conversation eventually shifted from the NBA Gallinari entered to the one that exists today. At 37 years old and officially retired, Gallinari was asked whether there are any current players who remind him of himself.
“Cooper [Flagg],” he answered immediately before laughing. “He had a few more posters than I did as a rookie.” Gallinari pointed to Flagg’s versatility. His ability to handle the ball, shoot, and play multiple positions were all traits that he resonated with.
That naturally led to an interesting thought: what might Gallinari’s own career have looked like had he entered the league in today’s pace-and-space era? He agreed that today’s NBA may have suited him even more, though he was quick to credit his first NBA coach, Mike D’Antoni, for already implementing an early version of the modern game. That style, Gallinari explained, fit him perfectly.
Still, the funniest moment of the entire conversation came when discussing the differences between eras. “The money,” he said with a grin.
Beyond styles of play, Gallinari also reflected on how much the perception of international basketball has evolved since his initial years in the NBA. As one of the most successful international players of his generation, he has witnessed that change firsthand. “Just the global level has gotten so much higher,” he said. “It’s a bit easier now. When I came into the league, there were stereotypes.”
That comment stood out.
It wasn’t long ago that international prospects, particularly European ones, were often labeled as soft. Since then, though, those preconceived notions have slowly disintegrated, and the league has become increasingly dominated by international talent.
Gallinari has partnered with AT&T for the AT&T Dunk Bus, a traveling game-day experience designed to bring fans closer to the game and the league through live dunk showcases, NBA 2K competitions, and player meet-and-greets.
Gallinari spoke enthusiastically about the partnership and how it creates an interactive experience for fans before revealing one final detail with a laugh.
“I don’t know if AT&T knows this,” he said, “but I’ve been a customer of theirs for 18 years, so it’s a neat opportunity.”
The latest cult sandwich spot in Los Angeles isn’t tucked inside a trendy strip mall or an influencer trap — it’s hiding in an industrial corner of Santa Clarita, next to warehouses and storage units.
Chef James Dalton — the longtime private chef to Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts — quietly opened Table 504 last week, a low-key sandwich shop that’s already generating quite the buzz.
The star of the menu is the 12-day pastrami sandwich, which, you guessed it, takes 12 days to prep. The process involves a 10-day brine followed by eight hours in the smoker, on bread baked fresh in-house.
Chef James Dalton (L) is the longtime private chef to Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts (R). Instagram/@table.504Dalton’s culinary résumé is a far cry from your average sandwich slinger. Instagram/@table.504
Locals are also raving about the 504 Italian, another $20 must-order, made with prosciutto, imported mortadella, sweet soppressata, burrata, red-wine vinaigrette, house-pickled pepper spread and served on house focaccia.
Dalton’s culinary résumé is a far cry from your average sandwich slinger. The Florida-born chef has spent 26 years in hospitality and eventually transitioned into private cheffing for Betts after the MLB superstar moved from Boston to Los Angeles.
Dalton has spent 12 years in hospitality. David Buchan for Ca Post
After years of working together, Dalton and Betts launched the Table 504 brand.
“Ive been a Dodgers fan all my life and came to try the 504 Italian sandwich but also hoping to bump into Mookie!” Jesse Mark, 30, told The Post while grabbing a bite Monday.
Jesse Mark takes a bite out of the 504 Italian at Table 504. David Buchan for Ca PostThe shop is described as “hidden in an industrial area behind Public Storage” in a minimalist space serving up items that look more like they’re coming out of a high-end tasting kitchen than a warehouse-district lunch spot. David Buchan for Ca PostThe star of the menu is the 12-day pastrami sandwich. David Buchan for Ca Post
Social media videos showcasing the shop describe it as “hidden in an industrial area behind Public Storage” in a minimalist space serving up items that look more like they’re coming out of a high-end tasting kitchen than a warehouse-district lunch spot.
Betts, one of the most decorated active players in today’s game, is scheduled to return to the Dodgers lineup Monday. He suffered an oblique strain during LA’s 10–5 victory over the Nationals on April 4 and immediately went on the injured list.
Far right, Betts and Chef Dalton posing with friends on the field. Instagram/@table.504Betts practicing before the game at Dodger stadium today. Wally Skalij for CA Post
His return couldn’t come at a better time as the vaunted Dodgers offense has been ranked among the worst in the major leagues over the past three weeks.
Although Betts struggled to start the season, hitting just .179 in eight games, his mere presence in the lineup balances everything out.
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Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) and a trainer look in on New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero (72) when he was hit by pitch in the elbow during the third inning when the New York Yankees played the Texas Rangers Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
BALTIMORE — José Caballero’s hopes of remaining the Yankees starting shortstop hinge on a Tuesday morning MRI.
For now, a right middle finger injury was enough to keep Caballero out of the Yankees lineup for Monday’s series opener against the Orioles at Camden Yards, sustained while diving back into first base in the ninth inning of Sunday’s loss to the Brewers.
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After Monday’s game, Caballero will travel to New York to undergo an MRI and see team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad and a hand specialist to determine the severity.
“I don’t think it’s a fracture,” Caballero said before pinch-running in the ninth inning and getting thrown out trying to steal second to end a 3-2 loss. “Not worried [about going on the injured list]. I’m just not happy that I have to be out of the lineup today.”
But Aaron Boone, who generally downplays any worries about potential injuries, sounded more concerned than Caballero.
“There’s definitely some concern because Cabby, he’s as tough as they come,” Boone said. “Just had a little hard time when he went to throw today. The good thing is hitting was good. So we’ll see. He’s going to get some tests [Tuesday] morning. See what we have over the next day or two.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) and a trainer look in on s shortstop José Caballero (72) when he was hit by pitch in the elbow during the third inning on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Robert Sabo for the NY Post
Max Schuemann started at shortstop Monday night, and Boone indicated he would be comfortable with him (and perhaps Ryan McMahon in spot duty) filling the void if Caballero just needs a few days.
If Caballero has to go on the injured list, the recently demoted Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera would be candidates for a call-up from Triple-A.
But first comes the MRI for Caballero, whose strong play on both sides of the ball over the first month-plus of the season forced the Yankees to change their plans for Volpe, whom they initially planned to reinsert at shortstop once he came off the IL last week.
“[Caballero] has been great,” Boone said. “He’s been such a good performer for us here to start the year, on both sides of the ball. He’s been a key part of our team to this point, but again, hopefully it’s just a day-to-day situation. We’ll have a better idea of that [Tuesday].”
Caballero dodged an injury concern last week after he was hit on the left elbow by a pitch, needing only a day out of the lineup Thursday to deal with some swelling before playing all three games over the weekend in Milwaukee.
He is still wearing tape on that left elbow Monday, but now has his right middle finger taped up as well.
The speedy Caballero was trying to steal second base in the ninth inning of a tie game Sunday when he dove back into first base, and while he was wearing a sliding glove on his right hand, it did not fully protect him.
“Didn’t work,” he said. “It’s just the part that is covering that part of the finger, it’s kind of soft, so it doesn’t really help much.”
And so the shortstop with a 1.6 bWAR — the fifth-highest mark on the Yankees entering Monday — was put on hold.
If Caballero does need to go on the IL, it would set up an interesting decision for the Yankees.
Volpe did not exactly set the world on fire in his first week at Triple-A following his activation off the IL and demotion to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
In five games, he hit 4-for-24 (.167) with a .472 OPS.
Cabrera, who offers more positional flexibility, had a rough start to the season but has hit better of late, going 14-for-36 (.389) with a 1.032 OPS over his last nine games.
Boone said he had not spoken to Volpe since giving him the news last Sunday that he was being optioned to Triple-A, but has maintained that the 25-year-old is equipped to handle it well.
“Definitely it’s challenging to deal with that, but everyone has challenges they’ve got to deal with and some adversity they’ve got to deal with,” Boone said. “He’s mentally a very tough kid and that’ll serve him well as he navigates this.”
BALTIMORE - New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero will be sent back to New York for tests on his right middle finger after he injured it diving back into a base, manager Aaron Boone said Monday, May 11.
Caballero, who seized the starting shortstop job from Anthony Volpe with his early season play this year, hurt his finger diving into first base on a pickoff attempt in the ninth inning of the Yankees' loss at Milwaukee Sunday. He will need an MRI to determine the extent of the damage, but said he doesn't believe the finger was broken.
"There’s definitely some concern. He’s as tough as they come," says Boone. "So, just had a little hard time when he went to throw today. His hitting was good.
"He’s going to get some tests tomorrow morning. We’ll see what we have the next day or two."
Boone said Caballero will be examined by a hand specialist along with club physician Christopher Ahmad. Max Schuemann will start in place of Caballero Monday and likely Tuesday, Boone said, though he did not rule out third baseman Ryan McMahon making his second start of the season in this series.
Caballero's 1.6 WAR trails only outfielders Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger among Yankee position players. He has a league-average 100 adjusted OPS, batting .259 with four homers and 13 stolen bases in 17 attempts.
While the Yankees do not know if Caballero's injury will require a stint on the injured list, that scenario would generate intrigue about how the club would fill the roster spot. Volpe lost his three-year grip on the starting job when he was optioned to Class AAA after his rehabilitation from offseason shoulder surgery was complete.
Volpe is batting .205 with a .238 OBP through his first nine games at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
"I haven’t talked to Anthony since he went down, since we made that decision," says Boone. "It’s definitely challenging to deal with that. Everyone has challenges they gotta deal with, some adversity they gotta deal with. Whether it’s up here, it’s part of it.
"Anthony’s mentally a very tough kid. That will serve him well as he navigates this."
The club could also promote veteran utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera, who has filled the utility role in past seasons in New York. That would enable Volpe to play every day at Class AAA.
Either way, the club must, at least in this series, navigate life without one of their surprise stars.
"He’s been great. He’s been such a good performer for us this year on both sides of the ball," says Boone. "He’s been a key part of our team to this point. Hopefully it’s a day-to-day situation."
