Return of Yankees injured stars raises more questions than answers

The New York Yankees have been one of the best teams in MLB through the first month of the season, and they are about to get healthier. Clarity, however, isn’t coming with it. With Anthony Volpe and Carlos Rodon both expected back within the next 10–14 days, the Yankees are facing a different kind of problem. Former Cy Young award winner Gerrit Cole is also expected back in less than a month, which complicates matters even more. Too many moving pieces, and not enough obvious answers.

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What Happens in the Infield?

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe follows through on a solo home run against the Milwaukee Brewers. | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Volpe’s return should be simple… right? Not exactly. While he’s been the team’s everyday shortstop the past two seasons, the Yankees have gotten contributions in his absence, particularly from José Caballero, who has made a case to stay in the lineup.

That creates a dilemma:

• Does Caballero head back to the bench?
• Could he shift to third base?
• If so, does Ryan McMahon lose playing time?

And the biggest question of all: Does Volpe automatically reclaim his job without hesitation? On paper, yes. In practice, it may not be that simple if others are producing.

Rodon’s and Cole’s Returns Create Immediate Roster Pressure

Mar 27, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

On the pitching side, there’s at least a short-term opening. Luis Gil has already been sent down, which creates space for Rodón to slot back into the rotation. But that doesn’t fully solve the issue. The Yankees will still need to make a corresponding roster move to activate Rodon, and that decision isn’t entirely clear yet.

If things weren’t complicated enough, Gerrit Cole is also nearing a return, likely within 3–4 weeks. That’s where the real pressure begins. When Cole is ready, someone will have to lose a rotation spot.

The likely candidates:

• Ryan Weathers
• Will Warren

Both have opportunities right now, but neither is guaranteed anything long-term.

A Good Problem… But Still a Problem

Mar 24, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole against the Chicago Cubs during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Depth is usually a strength. But it also forces tough decisions:

• Who stays in the lineup?
• Who loses at-bats?
• Who gets sent down?
• Who loses a rotation spot entirely?

The Yankees aren’t just getting players back; they’re being forced to define roles. These next few weeks will say a lot about how the Yankees view their roster:

• Are they committed to veterans regardless of performance?
• Will they reward production from fill-in players?
• Or will they prioritize long-term upside?

Every decision sends a message. Getting Anthony Volpe, Carlos Rodón, and eventually Gerrit Cole back should be a boost. But it also creates uncertainty across the roster. Because for the Yankees, getting healthy doesn’t just solve problems. It creates new ones.

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