New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe said he was caught off guard by a report on Tuesday that suggested he refused to make a move to second base.
After Yankees play-by-play announcer Michael Kay made the report on Tuesday, Volpe and the Yankees strongly denied it.
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“It’s confusing, because it couldn’t be further from the truth,” Volpe said. “From my end, from our perspective, that’s been very clearly communicated to Boonie and the team. I think it’s just kind of B.S.”
He went on to say he hopes his teammates trust him enough to know that such a report isn’t true.
“I’d hope my teammates in here, who I’ve played with for three-plus years, I’d hope they know my character and that I’d literally do anything to help the team win — literally anything. The narrative and what it tries to say about me, I feel like I’m defending myself over something that literally didn’t happen.”
Shortly after Volpe denied the report, Kay took to social media and said there was no truth to his initial statement.
In 42 games this season, Volpe is batting .242 with one home run, 13 RBIs and a .664 OPS and his defense has regressed over the last few seasons.
Tam manager Aaron Boone came to his defense in light of the report on Wednesday.
“I know he would do anything,” he said. “Volpe’s character and team-first [attitude] is beyond reproach. He’s as good as it gets. He’s been through a lot, and he’s handled everything with toughness, with grace, with work ethic and with team-first in mind. He’s always been that way.”
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
