Volpe dealing with labrum tear, but not expected to land on injured list

NEW YORK – Anthony Volpe was not in the Yankees’ lineup for a second consecutive day on Thursday, having received a cortisone injection to treat his ailing left shoulder, and the shortstop’s physical issues appear to be more significant than had been publicly known.

Volpe has been playing most of this season with a partially torn left labrum, according to manager Aaron Boone, pointing to a May 3 defensive play when Volpe felt a “pop” attempting to dive for a ball. The injury was reaggravated on Sunday, Boone said.

“He had a partial labrum tear that I think they felt like was an old injury,” Boone said Thursday. “Really, it was more just aggravating it and the swelling of it. Once that got out of there, it was good to go. He’s aggravated it a couple of times, Sunday being one of them.”

In May, Boone described the results of the MRI as “good news,” saying at the time that Volpe’s shoulder was “definitely a little cranky.”

Though the Yankees said there was no structural damage in Volpe’s shoulder, he has been receiving treatment for months, including wearing ice wraps in the clubhouse after games. Volpe has said it is regular maintenance.

He also received a cortisone injection in the shoulder over the All-Star break, the Yankees said.

Boone said the most recent MRI showed “a little bit more of a labrum tear, but nothing that we think is going to land him on the IL, or nothing that he can’t continue to play through.”

Volpe is expected to undergo another MRI after the season, but Boone said surgery will “not necessarily” be needed to correct the issue.

“Right now, I don’t think that’s the expectation,” Boone said.

Volpe leads the American League with 19 errors, and his struggles on both sides of the ball have drawn boos at Yankee Stadium.

In 33 games from Opening Day through May 3, Volpe posted a .233/.326/.442 slash line, with 10 doubles, five homers and 19 RBIs.

He has batted .197/.248/.378 in 108 games since, with 19 doubles, four triples, 14 homers and 51 RBIs.

“I don’t think it’s been a major factor in his performance, his ability to swing the bat or his ability to go to the post every day,” Boone said.

Boone reiterated this week that he still considers Volpe his starting shortstop, but he indicated José Caballero could see more playing time at the position. Boone has previously indicated he would prefer to use Caballero in a “10th man” utility role.

“We’ll see,” Boone said. “Obviously, we’re down to the end. As I’ve said, it’s kind of all hands on deck. We’ll do what we think is best, day in and day out.”