2026 Transactions: Yankees Recall Volpe, Braves Sign Leon

Down a shortstop, Anthony Volpe rejoined the New York Yankees on May 12. The fourth-year infielder is back thanks to an injury suffered by Jose Caballero. Meanwhile, the Braves brought back a familiar face, Sandy Leon, to fill out the catching depth chart in the short-term.

Volpe back with Yankees

With Jose Caballero now on the IL with a fractured finger, Anthony Volpe is back with the club. The Yankees officially recalled Volpe on May 12.

Volpe was optioned to Triple-A Scranton earlier this month after his rehab assignment expired. That move allowed Caballero to run with the starting shortstop until he suffered that aforementioned finger injury in Milwaukee this past weekend.

Across 10 games with the RailRiders, Volpe slashed .205/.238/.333 with one home run and three extra-base hits.

Leon signs with Braves

The Braves re-signed catcher Sandy Leon to a Major League deal.

Leon was released by the team in April and briefly joined Saraperos de Saltillo in Mexico. Across 10 games with Triple-A Gwinnett, Leon hit .118 for the Stripers. He spent five games with the big club last season.

The veteran Leon’s addition was necessitated by Sean Murphy landing on the IL.

Additionally, the Braves selected the contract of outfielder Jose Azocar.

Options

Tanner Gordon (Rockies), Jim Jarvis (Braves), Brett Harris (Athletics), Jose Espada (Orioles), Logan VanWey (Astros), and Tyler Black (Brewers) were optioned to Triple-A.

Other moves

Eduarniel Nunez (Athletics), Andy Ibanez (Mets), and Michael Siani (Dodgers) were designated for assignment.

The Athletics released catcher Austin Wynns. Additionally, Michael Stefanic had his contract selected by the team.

And as we noted earlier in the day, Henry Bolte (Athletics) and A.J. Ewing (Mets) had their contracts selected by their respective teams.