Aaron Judge Makes Anthony Volpe Claim After Yankees Elimination

Volpe appeared to hit a game-tying, two-run home run in the sixth inning with the Yankees trailing 4-2. However, a replay review overturned the home run call after a fan reached over the left-field wall and interfered with the ball. Volpe was awarded an RBI double, cutting Tampa Bay’s lead to 4-3, but New York could not complete the comeback.

The shortstop finished the game 2-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored. His performance offered a bright spot in a series in which the Yankees struggled to generate enough offense against the Rays.

Volpe’s postseason contribution followed a difficult regular season. He missed the first several weeks while recovering from offseason surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. After struggling following his return, he was sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before rejoining the major league roster for the team’s postseason push.

Judge also missed the entire ALDS because of a right calf strain. The Yankees left their captain off the postseason roster after he had not played since Sept. 16, depriving the lineup of one of its most important hitters.

New York entered October after finishing second in the American League East behind Tampa Bay. The Rays ultimately won all three games of the division series, exposing the Yankees’ offensive limitations and ending their championship hopes.

Judge’s comments offer a clear indication that he still sees a place for Volpe as the Yankees assess their roster this offseason. Volpe’s future role and the club’s plans for its infield remain to be determined, but the captain’s public backing gives the young shortstop an important vote of confidence after a challenging year.