Yankees' Brian Cashman makes feelings about Anthony Volpe clear amid struggles

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) and second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) react after turning a double play. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Whether or not a New York Yankees team in pursuit of more than just a trip to the World Series needs an upgrade over struggling shortstop Anthony Volpe is a topic that continues to hover over the organization ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. 

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Yankees senior vice president and general manager Brian Cashman made it clear that he thinks Volpe will turn things around sooner rather than later. 

"The peaks and valleys are a part of a six-month season," Cashman explained, as shared by Robert Sanchez of SNY. "... I do not consider (Volpe) a problem. I understand that there’s struggles there, but again, I believe he’ll be fine."

As noted by ESPN stats, Volpe slashed .286/.407/.408 with an .815 OPS, a World Series grand slam, three doubles, six RBI and 10 walks over 14 postseason games last fall. To compare, he entered Thursday slashing .217/.293/.391 with a .684 OPS, 10 home runs and 48 RBI for the ongoing season. 

Volpe's .118/.118/.206/.324 slash line across his first eight games of July could indicate he's now pressing at the plate. Additionally, his 11 errors are the most among American League shortstops this season. 

"He helped us get to a World Series last year, performed in the World Series last year and he does not lack confidence," Cashman said about Volpe. "Yes, there’s struggles that have happened...It doesn’t stick to him. It’s turn the page, and he’s focused on tonight’s game, and I do have belief and optimism that he obviously will impact us in a really positive way on both sides of the ball."

The Yankees fell from 42-25 to 48-41 before they notched three straight wins heading into Thursday's matchup versus the Seattle Mariners (48-44). On Wednesday, ESPN's Jeff Passan pointed out that the Bronx Bombers could pursue pitching and infield help before July comes to an end. That said, it sounds like Volpe will remain part of the Yankees' lineup for the foreseeable future. 

"He’s our shortstop, and I don’t forget where he was and what he was doing on the biggest stage of the game last October, and despite the twists and turns of how the season currently is playing out, (there's) a lot of season left to be played. So, I’m not counting him out and I know he’s gonna be part of the solution rather than the problem," Cashman added about Volpe.

It's easy for an executive to make such comments less than a week before the All-Star break gets underway. If Volpe doesn't benefit from that potential reset, Cashman and manager Aaron Boone may decide to have a conversation they seemingly want to avoid regarding the 24-year-old's status.