The New York Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals with an emphatic 11-2 victory on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, showcasing their offensive might with a nine-run third inning fueled by four home runs. However, the celebration of the team’s dominance was tempered by the ongoing struggles of shortstop Anthony Volpe, whose historically poor performance at the plate has sparked intense debate about his future in the Bronx. With a batting average now at .204 and an on-base percentage (OBP) of .027 over his last 11 games, Volpe’s slump has reached unprecedented lows for a Yankees non-pitcher, casting a shadow over an otherwise triumphant series.
The Yankees’ 11-2 rout of the Nationals capped a series sweep that highlighted their offensive depth and power. The game’s turning point came in a 40-minute third inning, where the Yankees erupted for nine runs, driven by a barrage of home runs. Trent Grisham set the tone early with his sixth leadoff homer of the season, giving New York a 1-0 lead. The floodgates opened when Aaron Judge launched a two-run homer over Monument Park in center field, followed immediately by Cody Bellinger’s drive into the Yankees’ bullpen in right-center. Ryan McMahon, recently acquired by the team, delivered a three-run homer after a catcher’s interference call on Washington’s Drew Millas, who fractured a finger on the play. Ben Rice, who finished with three hits, capped the inning’s homer parade with a solo shot, pushing the lead to 9-0.
Jasson Domínguez added an RBI double and a run-scoring infield single, while Austin Wells contributed a solo homer in the fourth to round out the scoring. The Yankees’ six home runs tied a season high, and their 13 hits overwhelmed Washington’s pitching staff. Max Fried was equally dominant on the mound, carrying a no-hit bid into the sixth inning before allowing three straight hits. He finished with seven innings, surrendering just one run on four hits, marking his longest outing since June 25. Paul Blackburn closed out the game with two innings of relief, allowing a solo homer to Andrés Chaparro but otherwise keeping the Nationals in check.
The sweep dropped the Nationals to 53-80, their fifth straight loss, while the Yankees improved to 73-60, clinching their 34th consecutive season with a winning home record. Washington starter Cade Cavalli (1-1) struggled mightily, giving up eight runs (seven earned) on eight hits in just 2 1/3 innings, while relievers Shinnosuke Ogasawara, PJ Poulin, Jose Ferrer, Konnor Pilkington, and Jackson Rutledge couldn’t stem the tide. The Nationals managed only six hits, with Jacob Young breaking up Fried’s no-hitter and CJ Abrams driving in a run with a single.
Anthony Volpe’s Historic Struggles Take Center Stage
Anthony VOLPE is very clearly in his own head right now.
He’s 0-5 on a day the Yankees put up 11 runs.He has an .027 OBP in his last 11 games. 1 hit and 0 BB.The lowest OBP in an 11 game span in Yankees HISTORY for a non-pitcher.pic.twitter.com/O4Pq0IlZY6— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) August 27, 2025
While the Yankees celebrated their sweep, shortstop Anthony Volpe’s performance—or lack thereof—was impossible to ignore. Volpe went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts, dropping his batting average to .204 and extending a brutal slump. Over his last 11 games, spanning 38 plate appearances, Volpe has just one hit and zero walks, resulting in an OBP of .027—the lowest by a Yankees non-pitcher in any 11-game span with at least 30 plate appearances in franchise history. His recent numbers are staggering: 0-for-his-last-24 at-bats, 1-for-his-last-37, and 4-for-his-last-54.In a game where the Yankees’ bats were scorching, Volpe’s hitless day drew boos from the Yankee Stadium crowd, a stark contrast to the cheers for teammates like Judge, Bellinger, and Rice. Social media posts captured the frustration, with one user lamenting, “Can’t make this stuff up 🤣,” while others criticized the decision to keep Volpe in the lineup during such a lopsided victory. The boos and online vitriol underscored the mounting pressure on the 24-year-old, who appears to be pressing at the plate and struggling mentally.
A “Prove It” Year Turns Disastrous
Entering his third season, Volpe was expected to solidify his role as the Yankees’ shortstop of the future. The former first-round pick, known for his elite defense and speed, was seen as a cornerstone for a team with championship aspirations. However, 2025 has been a regression from his already inconsistent first two years, with Volpe on track for the worst season of his young career. His .204 batting average and .662 OPS are far below expectations, and his inability to draw walks—zero in his last 38 plate appearances—has exacerbated his struggles.Volpe’s issues appear to be both mechanical and mental. Observers note that he’s “very clearly in his own head,” chasing pitches outside the zone and failing to make consistent contact. His defensive skills remain a bright spot, but his offensive shortcomings have become a liability in a lineup stacked with sluggers. The Yankees’ decision to play him in all three games against the Nationals, including a 0-for-9 series performance, has drawn scrutiny, with some arguing that a brief stint on the bench or in the minors could help him reset.
The Volpe Debate: Bust or Bad Luck?
The discourse around Volpe has grown heated, with some fans and analysts calling him a “bust” and advocating for Jose Caballero to take over as the starting shortstop. Caballero, who appeared in right field in the eighth inning of Wednesday’s game, has shown more offensive consistency this season and could provide a temporary solution. However, the criticism of Volpe has taken on a mean-spirited tone at times, with social media posts extending beyond baseball to personal attacks. Some defenders argue that the intense pressure of playing in New York at such a young age is a factor, and that Volpe’s potential still warrants patience.The Yankees’ management faces a delicate balance. Continuing to run Volpe out as the everyday shortstop risks further eroding his confidence, while benching him could signal a lack of faith in a player they’ve heavily invested in. With the postseason approaching, the team can’t afford a black hole at shortstop, especially in a lineup that relies on every position to contribute.
Looking Ahead: Can Volpe Turn It Around?
As the Yankees embark on a four-game series against the Chicago White Sox, starting with Will Warren (7-6, 4.47 ERA) facing Davis Martin (5-9, 3.93 ERA) on Thursday, all eyes will be on Volpe. A change in approach—perhaps simplifying his swing or working with hitting coaches to improve his pitch selection—could help him break out of his slump. Mental conditioning may also be key, as Volpe battles the weight of expectations and fan frustration.The Yankees’ faith in Volpe as a former top prospect suggests they’re not ready to give up on him, but patience is waning. With the team in contention and a deep lineup featuring stars like Judge, Bellinger, and McMahon, Volpe’s struggles are magnified. The upcoming road trip offers a chance for him to reset away from the Bronx spotlight, but each hitless game adds pressure to an already tense situation.
A Team Poised for Greatness, but Questions Linger
The Yankees’ sweep of the Nationals reaffirmed their status as a powerhouse, with their offensive depth and pitching strength making them a formidable postseason contender. Contributions from Rice, McMahon, and Domínguez, combined with Judge’s & Stanton’s MVP-caliber season, give the team plenty of firepower. However, Volpe’s historic slump remains a glaring concern. If unaddressed, it could impact their playoff push, particularly in close games where every at-bat matters.For now, Volpe remains in the lineup, but the debate over his role grows louder with each passing game. Whether he can rediscover his form and silence the critics will shape not only his future but also how this season is remembered in Yankees lore. As the team heads to Chicago, the hope is that Volpe can find a spark to match the brilliance of his teammates’ performance against the Nationals.
Felix Pantaleon is The Founder of NYYNEWS.com The First & Oldest Independent New York Yankees Content Creator Platform, Since 2005.Follow on Social Media
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