​Michael Kay is walking back remarks that sparked a salacious rumor about Anthony Volpe. On Tuesday’s episode of The Michael Kay Show, Kay initially claimed that the Yankees asked Volpe to play some second base in the minor leagues and that Volpe declined, saying, “No, I’m a shortstop.” Kay added that such a move would not reflect well if true. By Wednesday, Kay had posted a clarification on social media, reversing his earlier comments. He wrote that he had discussed a rumor on TMKS suggesting Volpe would not play second base in the minors, but after checking further, found there was no truth to it whatsoever. Volpe never refused to work at second, Kay said, and he planned to address the topic again on ESPN New York at 1 p.m.
Volpe’s path has included a return to the minors for a Triple-A assignment with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in May 2026 as he recovered from shoulder surgery. He made his season debut on May 13 in Baltimore after José Caballero fractured his right middle finger on May 10. Caballero has since started the first two games of the series against the Tampa Bay Rays, delivering two home runs and four RBIs in Monday’s win but going hitless with four strikeouts on Tuesday, including an at-bat in which he dropped his bat before the ball crossed home plate.
Betting odds for Wednesday’s American League East matchup between the Yankees and Rays list the Yankees’ moneyline at +100 on BetMGM. A full BetMGM Sportsbook review provides guidance on registering and using the app. For the season, Caballero is hitting .245 with a .701 OPS, along with 10 homers and 33 RBIs. He has committed eight errors over 75 games. Volpe, in comparison, is batting .240 with a .663 OPS, one home run, and 13 RBIs. Defensively, he has three errors in 41 games after committing 19 in 153 last season.
Yankees broadcaster commentary has also drawn attention this week. A number of reports highlighted Kay’s backtracking, while others noted the ongoing discussions around Caballero’s role at shortstop. Yankees manager Aaron Boone, when asked about Caballero after Monday’s game, avoided making a firm commitment to him as the starting shortstop. Boone said he would approach the position day by day, emphasizing the importance of versatility given the team’s injury situation. He praised Caballero’s versatility, calling him “a gamer and a big-time player for us,” underscoring how valuable that flexibility has become as the Yankees navigate a period of lineup adjustments with several players sidelined.