Marlins skipper: Volpe becoming a superstar

Anthony Volpe’s offseason work has become an in-season problem for his opponents.

The Yankees shortstop spent the winter after his rookie season refining his swing and sharpening his approach with a full year of experience of big league at-bats under his belt. It is still in the early stages of the season but Volpe has seen immediate dividends.

Even after failing to hit safely for just the third time in 11 games Tuesday night (he came a few inches foul of hitting his second home run in as many nights), Volpe ended the day batting .375. That, combined with more standout defense after winning the AL Gold Glove at shortstop, has Volpe making a strong impression and not just inside the Yankees.

“Volpe at shortstop is becoming a superstar in this league,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said Tuesday before falling to the Yankees, 3-2. “As much as I don’t like to watch it this series, it’s fun to watch just as a baseball fan the way he plays shortstop and the way he’s taking those at-bats.”

That was Schumaker after seeing Volpe live in just Monday’s series opener, when the soonto-be 23-year-old hit a three-run home run and made two more terrific plays in the field.

Those who have seen him up close every day have taken note of more than just his hot start to the season.

“The most impressive thing — we can talk about all the stuff he’s doing — but his demeanor and how he acted last year hitting .200, he’s the exact same as when he’s hitting .500,” Aaron Judge said. “He doesn’t change. The guy’s consistent every single day — hot start, bad start, it doesn’t matter.

“He’s been consistent through these first [11] games and that’s what you look for for a guy that’s going to be your shortstop, one of the future leaders of your team. It’s been impressive just how consistent he is.”

➤ DJ LeMahieu did more running in the outfield before Tuesday’s game, including running at angles and not just a straight line.

Boone said he did not know yet when the veteran third baseman might be ready to start a rehab assignment.

“He’s been introducing side to sides and things like that,” said Boone, who recently indicated lateral movement would be LeMahieu’s biggest challenge. “So he’s moving in a pretty good direction.”