New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe was not in the lineup Sunday after hearing a "pop" and feeling pain in his left shoulder. While Aaron Boone told reporters that the Yankees got "good news" after an MRI, he held him out.
Boone described Volpe's shoulder as feeling "cranky" and it could cost him a few games, but the Yankees feel lucky.
In the eighth inning, Volpe dove for a ground ball hit by Christopher Morel and immediately heard a “pop” in his left shoulder. Yankees manager Aaron Boone and the training staff rushed out for a fairly lengthy on-field exam. Despite the discomfort, Volpe remained in the game, though he later committed an error that allowed the go-ahead run to score.
Postgame X-rays revealed no structural damage, and Volpe reported feeling “OK” after testing his shoulder's strength and range of motion. However, he acknowledged the unusual nature of the sensation, stating,
“I’ve never really had anything else pop or dislocate or anything like that, so nothing to compare it to” .
He was expected to undergo further evaluations, potentially including an MRI, to ensure there are no underlying issues.
Volpe’s injury comes at a rough time for the Yankees, who are already dealing with multiple key players sidelined, including second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (oblique strain), third baseman DJ LeMahieu (calf strain), and ace Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery).
The potential loss of Volpe, a consistent presence in the lineup since his debut in 2023, would further test the team's depth. In his absence, the Yankees may turn to Oswald Peraza or Oswaldo Cabrera to fill the shortstop position.
The Yankees hope to avoid any long-term absence for Volpe. Through the first 32 games of the 2025 season, Anthony Volpe is batting .239 with five home runs and 19 RBIs, contributing to a .786 OPS. While his batting average remains modest, Volpe has shown increased power and improved plate discipline, as evidenced by a higher walk rate and a career-best slugging percentage.
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