New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe publicly rejected a report claiming he refused to play second base while in Triple-A this season, calling the claim "B.S." and affirming his commitment to the team.

"It couldn’t be further from the truth," Volpe told reporters, via the New York Post. He emphasized that he had clearly communicated with manager Aaron Boone and the team about his willingness to play wherever needed. "I hope my teammates in here — I’ve played with them for three-plus years — I hope they know my character and that I’d literally do anything to help the team win."

Volpe, 25, added that the Yankees had not approached him about switching positions until José Caballero, the team's starting shortstop at the season's start, returned from the injured list in May. During his rehab assignment, Volpe was optioned to Triple-A on May 4 due to Caballero’s strong early-season performance.

Addressing the controversy, Volpe said, "So, I think just the narrative and what it tries to say about me, I feel like I’m defending myself over something that literally didn’t happen." The original report has since been retracted.

Photos from July 4, 2026, show Volpe playing against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium, illustrating his active role on the team.

Sources