Yankees refuse to give up on Ryan McMahon with playoffs looming

Anthony Volpe took grounders at third base before Wednesday’s game, and José Caballero started at third in two of the Yankees’ previous three games.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.But Ryan McMahon was back there again against the Rays as the Yankees try to get him right before the playoffs. And Aaron Boone insisted it’s still possible. Boone professed his confidence that McMahon remains a viable option, even as the long-slumping player has also regressed on defense. “Defensively, I have tremendous faith in him moving forward,” Boone said Wednesday.

“I understand he’s had a couple misplays here along the way, but I view it as, ‘I want him in the game with the ball hit to him in a big spot.’ ” That may be the case, but McMahon’s issues with his glove don’t just come down to a few recent errors. According to FanGraphs, his defensive runs saved have dropped from 10 last season to -2 this year. And scouts who have watched McMahon have noted a drop-off in his range, glove and overall fielding throughout the season. “I get why they’re still trying to make it work,’’ one American League scout said.“The other options [at third] aren’t great, especially as you’re staring at the playoffs.

But if he’s not going to be not just reliable, but stellar, then the issues with his bat are even worse.” As Boone noted, “Offensively, it’s been a struggle, especially in the second half.” Complicating matters are the lefty-swinging McMahon’s issues against left-handed pitching, which could open the door for Caballero or Amed Rosario, especially if they face a Red Sox team that’s filled with southpaws. Caballero has done well at third but is valued for his ability to come off the bench, while the Yankees have continued to believe that Rosario, who has hit lefties well in recent years, will get back to that after havin...