Anthony Volpe Defends Himself After Misreported Stance

Kay’s Misstep and Quick Retraction

Michael Kay, the Yankees’ play‑by‑play voice, sparked controversy on Tuesday when he claimed anonymous sources told him Volpe had refused to play second base, quoting the shortstop as saying, “No, I’m a shortstop.” The remark quickly spread on social media before Kay posted on X to debunk the rumor, admitting he had “two people” tell him something untrue. He later apologized while the Yankees were on a road series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, saying he was “wrong” and would speak directly with Volpe. He also pledged to make amends and clear the air.

Volpe’s Side of the Story

When the report surfaced, Volpe told MLB.com he was “definitely caught off guard” and called the claim “just kind of BS.” He stressed that his willingness to fill any role—“literally anything”—has been evident, even mentioning he’d play catcher if needed. The Yankees’ manager, Aaron Boone, echoed that Volpe handles pressure well and isn’t swayed by online chatter. Volpe added that the narrative attempted to tarnish his character for something that never happened.

Recent Yankees Roster Moves and Volpe’s Role

New York optioned Volpe to Triple‑A Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre in May after a 20‑day rehab from offseason shoulder surgery, temporarily shifting the shortstop duties to José Caballero. Caballero’s middle‑finger fracture led to a 10‑day injured‑list stint, opening the door for Volpe’s recall and a return to the short‑stop position. Despite the earlier hint that he would cover second base in the minors, Volpe has not yet appeared in a major‑league game at any non‑shortstop spot. The Yankees have leaned on his defensive versatility as they navigate multiple injuries.

What It Means for the Team and Volpe’s Future

Boone’s praise highlights Volpe’s defensive rebound and mental toughness, suggesting the Yankees view him as a core defensive asset moving forward. Offensively, Volpe’s .224 career average over 514 games shows the hitting scrutiny he faces, especially as the fan base grows impatient. The episode underscores the risks of unchecked rumors and the importance of direct communication between media figures and players. Going forward, the Yankees will likely rely on Volpe’s defensive reliability while they evaluate his offensive development.