Yankees Prospect's Knee Issue May Open Door for Volpe's Return

George Lombard Jr. left Saturday's game against Boston with right knee discomfort and is scheduled for imaging. The 21-year-old shortstop had been hitting .253 in his first 23 MLB games since his debut earlier this month. If he lands on the injured list, Anthony Volpe, currently in Triple-A, could be recalled to fill the shortstop role.
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Lombard's injury arrives amid an uneven rookie stretch that included a six-game error streak, though his .253 average and two home runs in 23 contests suggest steady offensive adjustment since his Aug. 4 call-up. The 2023 first-round pick had been holding down shortstop for a Yankees club navigating multiple infield absences.
Volpe, who won a Gold Glove at shortstop in 2023, has been working at second and third base in Triple-A since his demotion, though he has only played shortstop at the major league level. His 2026 big league numbers—.240 with one home run in 56 games—came after offseason shoulder surgery. José Caballero and the impending return of third baseman Ryan McMahon from a thumb sprain