​After a rumor surfaced that Anthony Volpe refused to learn second base when the organization asked, the Yankees shortstop and the team stood by the young infielder. “It definitely caught me off guard. It’s confusing because it’s not true. It couldn’t be further from the truth,” Volpe told reporters, including MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, on Wednesday. “From my end, from our perspective, that’s been very clearly communicated to Boonie and the team, and I think it’s just kind of B.S.” The rumor originated when Yankees play-by-play announcer Michael Kay claimed on his Tuesday radio show that he’d heard Volpe refused to learn a new position while he was optioned to the minors. Kay has since retracted those remarks.
When asked whether playing shortstop was part of his identity, Volpe pushed back against that notion. “No. When I was getting optioned, I told Boonie I’d play catcher. I’d do literally whatever the team needed, and that’s the truth behind the story,” Volpe said. “I still have no problem [playing second]. I want to be here, and I want to help the team win the World Series. That’s literally all I want. So for anything opposite to be put out there, it’s kind of just confusing.”
Manager Aaron Boone praised Volpe for his composure in the face of controversy. “He handles things incredibly well, and I don’t think he’s affected by the various things that can be said on social or other platforms—he’s a gamer. He’s a tough, tough kid that loves the game and plays his butt off every single day. I wish that was celebrated a little more,” Boone said ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Rays.
Volpe’s fourth major-league season has presented its challenges. In 41 games, he’s posting a .240/.338/.326 line with an OPS of .664. He’s also not logging regular time at shortstop, as Jose Caballero has earned more playing time at the position. In Wednesday’s matchup with the Rays, the Yankees penciled Volpe in at shortstop while Caballero lined up at second, signaling a continued rotation at the infield that managers and players alike hope will help the club contend through the season’s stretch run.