Yankees Place Anthony Volpe at Shortstop and José Caballero at Third Base

The Yankees placed Anthony Volpe at shortstop and José Caballero at third base for the first time this season on Monday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium. Volpe started at shortstop while Caballero moved from his usual shortstop position. The shift came against Royals right-hander Michael Wacha, who has performed better against left-handed hitters.

Aaron Boone said before the game that the move added a right-handed bat and defensive options. "I just wanted to at least have a little bit more of a righty presence today against Wacha, who’s historically tougher on lefties," Boone said. Caballero had started all 41 of his games this season at shortstop before the change.

Ryan McMahon remained out of the starting lineup.

Volpe had been out of the lineup during Caballero’s first two games after returning from the injured list. The team plans to have Volpe take work at second base on days he does not start, though no immediate move to that position is planned. Caballero said he could start in the outfield later in the series, which would allow Volpe another start at shortstop.

"Whenever I’m in there [the lineup], I’m happy," Caballero said. Caballero added that he would need only pregame work to feel comfortable at other positions. "Between the lines, I feel comfortable," he said.