Latest on Yankees Shortstop

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated May 11, 2026 4:18 PM ET

New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero has emerged as the everyday starter on the left side of the infield for manager Aaron Boone this season. He has played in 40 of the Yankees' first 41 games this season, starting all but one of those appearances at short.

The 29-year-old has been a viable option for Boone and the Yankees in his second season with the team after he was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays last year. After signing a $2 million contract this past offseason, Caballero has batted .259 with four home runs and 13 RBIs.

On Monday, Caballero was not listed in the Yankees' lineup for the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. He said this was due to an injury.

New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero (72) against the Kansas City Royals.© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

According to The Athletic reporter Chris Kirschner, Caballero is dealing with an injury to his right middle finger, which he hurt sliding back into a base on Sunday. Caballero said that he doesn't think it should be a big issue, per Kirschner.

"Jose Caballero is dealing with a right middle finger issue. Hurt it sliding back to the bag. He will undergo an MRI. Said he doesn’t think it’ll require an IL stint," Kirschner said.

Jose Caballero is dealing with a right middle finger issue. Hurt it sliding back to the bag. He will undergo an MRI. Said he doesn’t think it’ll require an IL stint.
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) May 11, 2026

Yankees fans are hoping that nothing bad comes out of the MRI that Caballero will undergo, as he has been a reliable fit at the shortstop position for New York throughout the beginning of the season.

His play on offense and in the field has helped New York get off to a 26-15 start to the year, which is good enough for second place in the American League East.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: