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Anthony Volpe Injury Update Emerges Amid Yankees Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Dec 30, 2025 8:48 AM ET

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe remains on track to return in May following offseason surgery on his left shoulder to repair a partially torn labrum.

Longtime Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch shared on Monday, Dec. 29, that Volpe is expected to resume swinging a bat in mid-February, though he will be “unable to dive on the repaired shoulder” until mid-April. That timeline aligns with comments the Yankees have made publicly since their ALDS loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

While the update itself is not significant, it is nonetheless encouraging for the Yankees and reinforces the organization’s existing expectations. The Yankees have remained committed to Volpe despite his defensive struggles and below-average offensive production; Volpe owns a career .662 OPS, and his strikeout rate increased from 22.6% to 25.2% last season.

Volpe, who turns 25 in April, hit .212 with 19 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 32 doubles in nearly 600 plate appearances. He posted a career-low 1.6 bWAR and led the American League with 19 errors.

What to Know About Anthony Volpe and the 2026 New York Yankees

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony VolpeJesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone have repeatedly stated that the organization still believes in Volpe. Even prior to his surgery, there was no indication the Yankees intended to move on from him this offseason.

“The game separates the men from the boys, and dictates who should and shouldn’t be playing over the course of time,” Cashman said earlier this offseason.

It remains unclear who will start at shortstop on Opening Day. José Caballero, who impressed following a midseason trade from the Tampa Bay Rays , is considered a leading option, with veteran utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera also in the mix. Cabrera opened last season as the starting third baseman but suffered a severe, season-ending left ankle injury in May.

José Caballero picks up stolen base No. 4️⃣0️⃣! pic.twitter.com/2DRmkYn0X4
— MLB (@MLB) August 21, 2025

The Yankees cannot afford a setback in Volpe’s recovery given the current state of their lineup. Veteran outfielder Cody Bellinger remains unsigned, and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton carries an extensive injury history. Superstar right fielder Aaron Judge has won three MVP awards in the past four seasons but turns 34 in April and missed time last year with an elbow injury.

Although outfielder Trent Grisham (34 home runs, .811 OPS) and first baseman /designated hitter Ben Rice (26 home runs, 65 RBIs, .836 OPS) produced strong numbers last season, both will need to show their 2025 performances were not aberrations. There are also questions surrounding catcher Austin Wells, who recorded 21 home runs, 71 RBIs, and 22 doubles but finished with just 0.1 bWAR.

The Yankees open the 2026 season on Wednesday, March 25, on the road against the San Francisco Giants.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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