San Diego – Anthony Volpe’s hot bat continues to be a key factor in the Yankees’ success. With hits in the first two games against the Padres, Volpe extended his hitting streak to a career-best 18 games, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.
This streak is also the longest for the Yankees since Derek Jeter hit in 19 consecutive games in 2012.
Volpe’s spark at the top of the order has been crucial. In Saturday’s 4-1 win, his leadoff single set the stage for a two-run homer by Aaron Judge. The night before, his triple led to the first run in the Yankees’ 8-0 victory.
“What Volpe is doing is incredible,” said Judge. “He’s a lot of fun to watch.”
Manager Aaron Boone praised Volpe’s improvement from last season, where he batted .209. This year, Volpe is hitting a solid .282 and has started 53 of the Yankees’ first 54 games.
Judge, who predicted a more consistent Volpe this season, is impressed with the young shortstop’s development. “He’s using the whole field, hitting the ball with authority,” said Judge. “He’s one of the best shortstops in the game, and we’re lucky to have him.”
Also Read: Young Star Emerges: Anthony Volpe Leads Yankees Offense with Hitting Prowess and Flair
With Volpe leading off, followed by Juan Soto and Judge, the Yankees boast the top run-scoring and home run offense in the American League. While Soto and Judge are MVP contenders, Volpe has emerged as one of the league’s most improved hitters.
“He’s playing at a very high level,” said Boone. “He sets the tone offensively and had a great at-bat later in the game (Saturday night).”
Volpe is currently batting .333 during his streak, with one three-hit game and six two-hit games. While Joe DiMaggio’s legendary 56-game streak in 1941 is likely untouchable, Volpe can join him in Yankees’ history if he extends his streak to 19 games on Sunday. At 23 years old, he would match DiMaggio’s feat from 1937, when he had streaks of 22 and 20 games.
