Yankees' Anthony Volpe Responds to False Report From Michael Kay
As the New York Yankees continue to split shortstop duties between Jose Caballero and Anthony Volpe, the latter was subject to a since-debunked report that stirred some controversy.
On Tuesday, Yankees' play-by-play announcer Michael Kay addressed a rumor on his ESPN radio show that surprised many, including Volpe. Kay stated that the Bronx Bombers asked Volpe to play second base during his time rehabbing in the minor leagues. Volpe allegedly responded "No, I'm a shortstop."
Michael Kay has heard from multiple people that the Yankees asked Anthony Volpe to play some second base in the minors and Volpe said "no, I'm a shortstop"
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 8, 2026
(via @ESPNNewYork) pic.twitter.com/sxUhHhBABm
Just a day later, however, Kay went on X and debunked the rumor he mentioned on the show. The 65-year-old broadcaster mentioned that the report "sounded unlike him", which prompted him to check further; he came to the conclusion that "there is absolutely no truth to it whatsoever."
I spoke of a rumor yesterday on TMKS that Anthony Volpe would not play 2B in the minors. Sounded unlike him, so I checked further today and there is absolutely no truth to it whatsoever. He never refused to work at second. Will speak more of it today at 1 pm @ESPNNewYork.
— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) July 8, 2026
Despite Kay's retraction, the rumor shed a very unflattering light on Volpe, who has struggled overall in his four-year MLB career, especially at the plate. Joel Sherman of the New York Post also alleged to the rumor, saying he didn't "think Volpe wanted to play other positions at Triple-A when given that choice."
Anthony Volpe Denies Unwillingness to Play Other Positions
Later on Wednesday, Volpe addressed the rumor and debunked it for good, claiming that he would play any position the Yankees wanted.
"It definitely caught me off guard," Volpe said. "It's confusing, just because it's not true. It couldn't be further from the truth. 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."
Anthony Volpe: "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."
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) July 8, 2026
Volpe said he was caught off guard by the story that he refused to play second base.
In his 513-game MLB career, the 25-year-old has exclusively played shortstop. Nonetheless, when Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that Volpe and Jose Caballero would both be on the roster and get everyday playing time, he added that Volpe would practice at second base on days off. He hasn't been seen in action yet, but Volpe's adamant stance on playing anywhere the team wants indicates that playing second is still a possibility.
Volpe's success at shortstop has been mixed so far. He won a Gold Glove Award in his 2023 rookie season and contributed eight fielding runs (per Statcast) in 2024, but his defense significantly regressed last season, partly due to playing with a torn labrum.
This season, Volpe is worth five fielding runs at shortstop but has surprisingly struggled with turning double plays. At the plate, he's hitting .240/.338/.326 with just one home run and seven stolen bases in 11 attempts. Although his defense grades better than Caballero and Volpe has a higher on-base percentage, Caballero has proven to be the more dynamic player with his speed and power, shown by his 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
Michael Kay just now: "I was wrong."
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) July 8, 2026
Said he will apologize to Volpe https://t.co/0K8AQy6rrt
While Volpe's play has been inconsistent, he was routinely known as a team player since making his debut in 2023. This was why Kay said the rumor "sounded unlike him" when debunking it; Kay has since announced his intention to apologize to Volpe.
Volpe will start at shortstop tonight as the Yankees play the third game of a huge four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 5:44 PM.