Volpe appears in first game action since October in latest step toward return

Anthony Volpe’s first professional game since October is in the books.

The Yankees shortstop took two at-bats and played five innings in the field for Double-A Somerset on Tuesday in the next step of his rehab from left shoulder surgery.

It was a rather uneventful game for Volpe, who handled his one fielding chance -- a 6-3 groundout to end the fourth inning -- and went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts at the plate. Those at-bats came against rehabbing Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who made the start for Double-A Reading.

"It's a big milestone, a big checkpoint," Volpe told the media after the game. "It felt good to get back out there."

Playing not too far from where he grew up in Watchung, N.J., Volpe said last week that this was “probably the most excited I’ve ever been” to play in a game. The goal, according to general manager Brian Cashman, is to have Volpe log about 55 plate appearances and play shortstop consistently in the Minors before he makes his 2026 big league debut.

"I just can't wait to get back out there," Volpe said after the game. "Putting everything behind me and having a fresh start, a healthy start, is really exciting."

Volpe underwent surgery in October to repair a partially torn labrum. He initially injured his left shoulder on May 3, 2025, and it nagged him throughout the course of the year.

José Caballero, who has been the Yanks’ shortstop while Volpe is on the mend, compiled a .170/.214/.283 slash line with six stolen bases through 15 games entering Tuesday's matchup with the Angels at Yankee Stadium.