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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Anthony Volpe restated that he’d “do anything’’ asked of him by the Yankees.
So, the Yankees’ shortstop felt blindsided by a report that he’d refused to play second base in the minors.
“Definitely caught me off guard because it couldn’t be further from the truth,’’ Volpe said Wednesday, before starting at short versus the first-place Rays at Tropicana Field.
Earlier Wednesday, Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay tweeted that he’d spoken of “a rumor’’ on his ESPN New York radio show that Volpe “would not play second base in the minors.
“Sounded unlike him, so I checked further today and there’s absolutely no truth to it whatsoever. He never refused to work at second.’’
Later at the Trop, Kay said he would seek out Volpe and apologize to him.
Volpe’s pinstriped status at shortstop is a hot-button issue for Yankees Universe, and a daily topic for manager Aaron Boone, who has said both Jose Caballero and Volpe have earned the right to play the position.
“I hope they’d know my character and that I’d literally do anything to help the team win. Literally anything,’’ said Volpe, who learned from his personal trainer back home of Kay’s original on-air comments.
“Just the narrative and what it tries to say about me’’ was upsetting to Volpe. “I feel like I’m defending myself for something that didn’t happen.’’
Boone backed Volpe’s commitment to doing what’s best for the club.
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“Volp’s character, putting the team first, is beyond reproach,’’ said Boone. “He is as good as it gets. He’s been through a lot and he’s handled everything with toughness and grace.’’
Caballero started at shortstop for the opening two games of this four-game set against the Rays, with Volpe on the bench.
On Wednesday, Volpe started at short against lefty starter Shane McLanahan and Caballero started at second base, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the bench.
Volpe’s 2026 season was delayed by recovery from left shoulder (labrum tear) surgery last October, making Caballero the Yanks’ regular shortstop to begin the year.
The organization’s original intent was to slot Volpe back at short once he was ready, but Caballero’s and the club’s success altered the picture.
Volpe was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after his rehab assignment ended, but Volpe was back quickly, when Caballero went on the injured list in May with a fractured finger.
During his brief option to the minors, the idea of moving around infield positions was brought to Volpe.
“I told Boonie, I’d play catcher. I’d do whatever the team needed, and that’s the truth,’’ said Volpe. “My perspective and my communication was, literally, whatever the team needs, whatever I can do to contribute.’’
That’s why Volpe found it “almost laughable’’ that he’d refuse a request by the club. “I don’t even know how that gets miscommunicated.’’
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Anthony Volpe responds to rumor that he refused to work at second base
Continue reading...
So, the Yankees’ shortstop felt blindsided by a report that he’d refused to play second base in the minors.
“Definitely caught me off guard because it couldn’t be further from the truth,’’ Volpe said Wednesday, before starting at short versus the first-place Rays at Tropicana Field.
Earlier Wednesday, Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay tweeted that he’d spoken of “a rumor’’ on his ESPN New York radio show that Volpe “would not play second base in the minors.
“Sounded unlike him, so I checked further today and there’s absolutely no truth to it whatsoever. He never refused to work at second.’’
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Later at the Trop, Kay said he would seek out Volpe and apologize to him.
Volpe’s pinstriped status at shortstop is a hot-button issue for Yankees Universe, and a daily topic for manager Aaron Boone, who has said both Jose Caballero and Volpe have earned the right to play the position.
“I hope they’d know my character and that I’d literally do anything to help the team win. Literally anything,’’ said Volpe, who learned from his personal trainer back home of Kay’s original on-air comments.
“Just the narrative and what it tries to say about me’’ was upsetting to Volpe. “I feel like I’m defending myself for something that didn’t happen.’’
Boone backed Volpe’s commitment to doing what’s best for the club.
More issues: Camilo Doval dilemma part of Yankees' overall pitching concerns
“Volp’s character, putting the team first, is beyond reproach,’’ said Boone. “He is as good as it gets. He’s been through a lot and he’s handled everything with toughness and grace.’’
Caballero started at shortstop for the opening two games of this four-game set against the Rays, with Volpe on the bench.
On Wednesday, Volpe started at short against lefty starter Shane McLanahan and Caballero started at second base, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the bench.
Volpe’s 2026 season was delayed by recovery from left shoulder (labrum tear) surgery last October, making Caballero the Yanks’ regular shortstop to begin the year.
The organization’s original intent was to slot Volpe back at short once he was ready, but Caballero’s and the club’s success altered the picture.
Volpe was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after his rehab assignment ended, but Volpe was back quickly, when Caballero went on the injured list in May with a fractured finger.
During his brief option to the minors, the idea of moving around infield positions was brought to Volpe.
“I told Boonie, I’d play catcher. I’d do whatever the team needed, and that’s the truth,’’ said Volpe. “My perspective and my communication was, literally, whatever the team needs, whatever I can do to contribute.’’
That’s why Volpe found it “almost laughable’’ that he’d refuse a request by the club. “I don’t even know how that gets miscommunicated.’’
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Anthony Volpe responds to rumor that he refused to work at second base
Continue reading...
