New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe forcefully shut down rumors that he refused to play second base during a minor-league rehab assignment this season. The 2026 campaign has already tested the infielder’s patience following an October shoulder surgery, but he made it clear recently that questioning his willingness to switch positions crosses a line.
Volpe labeled the claim as “BS” and admitted he was caught “off guard” by the narrative. Yankees manager Aaron Boone immediately backed his young infielder. Boone pushed back against the speculation, describing Volpe’s team-first mentality as beyond reproach while speaking to reporters.
The controversy ignited when Yankees play-by-play broadcaster Michael Kay reported that Volpe actively rebuffed suggestions from the organization to take reps at second base. Volpe had been stationed with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since May 3 to work through his prolonged offensive slump. Kay quickly reversed course, issuing a full retraction on his ESPN New York 880 radio show and stating there was “absolutely no truth to it whatsoever.”
But the media firestorm hasn’t completely extinguished. While Kay walked his comments back, New York Post reporter Joel Sherman published a similar story claiming Volpe strongly “preferred” not to move to second base. Sherman has stood his ground and kept his report active, creating lingering friction among the fanbase.
The positional drama highlights a turbulent stretch for the Yankees’ infield. With Volpe sidelined during his slow recovery, Jose Caballero took over the primary shortstop duties and delivered impressive defensive results. Volpe only recently regained his starting spot after a wave of injuries forced the front office to shift the versatile Caballero to other spots on the diamond.