NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Embattled New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe usually endures blows from a rabid fan base for his inconsistency at the plate, but he offered a rare public response Wednesday.
Volpe reportedly refused to play second base while in Triple-A this season, but called that statement “BS.” The report has since been retracted.
“It couldn’t be further from the truth,” Volpe told reporters via the New York Post. “From my point of view, that has been communicated very clearly to [manager Aaron Boone] and the team. Honestly, I think it’s kind of stupid, because I hope that my teammates here (I’ve played with them for over three years) I hope that they know my character and that I will literally do anything to help the team win. Literally anything.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees leaves the field during the game between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in New York, New York. (Michael Mooney/MLB Photos)
“So I think just with the narrative and what it’s trying to say about me, I feel like I’m defending myself from something that literally didn’t happen.”
The 25-year-old added that the Yankees had not approached him about changing his position until José Caballero, who began the season as the team’s shortstop, came off the disabled list in May.
Volpe, who had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, was working during his rehab with the mindset of being a shortstop. That was the case during his rehab assignment, although he was optioned to Triple-A on May 4 when he came off the disabled list due to Caballero’s strong performance to start the season.
ANTHONY RIZZO CALLS OUT JAZZ CHISHOLM’S ‘IMMATURITY’ AFTER EJECTION DURING YANKEES’ FENWAY PARK SWEEP
Volpe also mentioned that he was speaking with the Yankees during the offseason, asking what was expected of him during a time when his rehab process only allowed him to take ground balls. I still couldn’t cross the diamond.
Volpe said the Yankees’ message was to be ready to play shortstop.
When the season began, general manager Brian Cashman also noted that the plan was to always have Volpe back in the mix as the team’s shortstop, but Caballero’s play forced the Yankees’ hand.
Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees prepares to throw a ground ball during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 2026 in New York City. (Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)
However, things changed when Caballero got hurt and Volpe was naturally called back to fill the gap. At the time, he was only playing shortstop at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
“When they gave me the option, I told Booney that I would play receiver, that I would literally do whatever the team needed,” Volpe explained. “And that’s the truth behind the story. That’s why the fact that what was said was said catches me so off guard because there was literally none of that.”
Finally, Volpe said he had “no problem” with the introduction of a position change.
“I want to be here and help the team win the World Series. That’s literally all I want,” Volpe said.
Boone added: “I know he would do anything. Volpe’s character and team first [mindset] It is irreproachable. It’s as good as it looks. He’s been through a lot and has handled it all with toughness, grace, work ethic and thinking about the team first. “He’s always been like that.”
Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees throws his helmet during the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 2026 in New York City. (Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Volpe, a first-round pick out of Delbarton High School in New Jersey by the Yankees in 2019, has had his moments with the team, but consistency hasn’t been there in parts of four seasons.
For his career, Volpe is hitting .224/.287/.375 with a .662 OPS in 513 games. Volpe’s 19 errors at shortstop last season also led the MLB in that category. He has three of 36 starts this year for the Yankees.
