Anthony Volpe cranks a solo homer to left field and extends the Yankees' lead to two runs in the top of the 5th inning

TAMPA, Fla. — The box from Thursday’s 8-4 Yankees loss to the Twins wasn’t any kinder to third-year shortstop Anthony Volpe than what everyone in the crowd of 9,194 at Steinbrenner Field witnessed. This 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, a weak groundball to short and a throwing error didn’t pass the eye test, either.

Volpe is only 3-for-16 in spring training so far, but there are signs of the offensive potential he showed in the minor leagues.

As the defending AL champions scramble to patch holes in their lineup, the club desperately needs their young shortstop to transform from prospect to star.