ST. PETERSBURG — New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe denied a rumor on July 8, 2026, claiming he refused to learn second base when requested by the team. Volpe's statement from St. Petersburg prompted Yankees play-by-play announcer Michael Kay to retract his previous remarks and issue an apology.

Volpe stated the rumor was false. "It definitely caught me off guard. It's confusing because it's not true. It couldn't be further from the truth," Volpe said. He added that he had clearly communicated his willingness to play any position to Yankees manager Aaron Boone and the team. "No. When I was getting optioned, I told Boonie I'd play catcher. I'd do literally whatever the team needed, and that's the truth behind the story," Volpe said. He noted the rumor had angered him.

On July 7, Kay mentioned in a podcast interview that he heard Volpe had refused to learn a new position while optioned to the minors. The following day, Kay retracted his statement, saying, "I spoke of a rumor yesterday on TMKS that Anthony Volpe would not play 2B in the minors. Sounded unlike him, so I checked further today, and there is absolutely no truth to it whatsoever. He never refused to work at second." Kay explained that he had received the rumor from two people and confirmed it was incorrect after making additional calls. He plans to speak with Volpe to apologize.

Aaron Boone supported Volpe, stating that the shortstop handles situations well. "He handles things incredibly well, and I don't think he is affected by the different things that can be said on whatever, social or -- he's a gamer. He's a tough, tough kid that loves the game and plays his butt off every single day. I wish that was celebrated a little bit more," Boone said. Boone had first discussed the possibility of Volpe playing second base on May 22, when Jose Caballero returned from a fractured finger. The Yankees started Volpe at shortstop and Caballero at second base in their game against the Rays on Wednesday.

Volpe was optioned to the minors earlier in the 2026 season while recovering from shoulder surgery. He repeatedly asked the Yankees about their expectations during his rehab and was told to prepare to return as the starting shortstop. Brian Cashman had previously indicated the plan was for Volpe to reclaim the starting shortstop role. Volpe, who is 25 years old, won a Gold Glove in his 2023 rookie season but led the American League in errors in 2025.