Anthony Volpe Shines in Playoff Debut
In his first playoff start at second base, Anthony Volpe showed impressive composure, contributing significantly with a key hit and a sacrifice bunt during the Yankees’ 9-0 victory over Boston in the wild card series opener at the Stadium.
This performance marked a highlight in what has been a tumultuous season for Volpe, once considered the Yankees’ shortstop of the future. His journey has taken him from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to The Bronx and throughout various infield positions amid a season filled with ups and downs.
Now, he seems poised to play an important role in the team’s playoff ambitions.
“I’m just in the moment and ready to go,” Volpe expressed. “Everything that happened, happened… It’s all hands on deck.”
His journey to Game 1 involved offseason surgery on his left shoulder nearly a year ago, followed by a stint in minor league rehab starting in April. Eventually, he was sent back to the minors when he didn’t perform well enough to secure a return to the major leagues at shortstop.
His return to the majors only happened because José Caballero, who had taken over at shortstop, got injured.
After multiple returns to the minors, Volpe finally made his major league debut at second base this month.
“It was frustrating,” Volpe admitted. “As bad as it was, it was a good opportunity.”
Before the game, Aaron Boone praised Volpe’s resilience, noting the tough circumstances he faced. “It was an incredibly difficult situation,” Boone explained. “That’s why I always say we live in the moment so much. It’s a snapshot in a long grind of the season. There will be good times, bad times, twists and turns. The cream usually rises to the top.”
In choosing Volpe over left-handed swinger Jazz Chisholm Jr. against Boston’s lefty Payton Tolle, it’s worth noting that Volpe had started at second base only 11 times in the majors before that Tuesday night.
Despite his inexperience, infield coach Dan Fiorito felt confident in Volpe’s abilities and readiness. “I know he’s ready,” Fiorito stated. “He’s played some games there going back to the minors.”
Fiorito highlighted Volpe’s baseball acumen as a key factor in his transition to second base. “He doesn’t have the same experience as he does at shortstop, but he’s a baseball player,” Fiorito added. “He knows all his responsibilities. He’s looked good out there so far.”
This season, prior to his recent games, Volpe had only played two professional games at second base, as the Yankees had been grooming him to take on the shortstop role for the foreseeable future. However, a decline in his offensive production coupled with defensive struggles—especially while playing through a shoulder injury last season—complicated matters for him.
Scouts have long believed Volpe is better suited for second base, a notion that seems even more valid with George Lombard Jr. making a strong case for the shortstop position. For Volpe, becoming versatile enough to play both second and third base might be crucial for securing his spot in The Bronx—and making an impact during the postseason.
“Anthony is a competitor,” Fiorito emphasized. “He’s dialed in. He knows where everybody’s got to be on the field at all times. And he’s in the right spot at the right time. That makes you feel good about him.”
Fiorito was particularly impressed by Volpe’s consistency across the infield. “He’s made some really good plays there, but he’s also made the ones you expect him to, and that’s what you need this time of year,” Fiorito remarked.
