Anthony Volpe took another step Thursday in his return from left shoulder surgery performed in October to repair a partially torn labrum.
Volpe, who began his rehab assignment at Double-A Somerset on Tuesday, recorded his first hit in 2026 Minor League action in a 9-8 win over Reading on Thursday. He laced a fifth-inning single back up the middle before being replaced defensively in the sixth.
Volpe also grounded out in the first inning and struck out in the third, while he handled a pop out at shortstop in his lone defensive chance.
This was the second start at Double-A for Volpe, who began his rehab assignment by going 0-for-2 with a pair of strikeouts against rehabbing Phillies ace Zack Wheeler.
"It's a big milestone, a big checkpoint," Volpe told the media after Tuesday’s game. "It felt good to get back out there."
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the goal is to have Volpe post about 55 plate appearances before reclaiming his role as the big league starting shortstop. José Caballero has handled the spot most often in Volpe’s absence, hitting .222 with one home run and eight stolen bases.
Volpe sustained the injury on May 3 of last season and fought through it the rest of the campaign.
"I just can't wait to get back out there," Volpe said Tuesday. "Putting everything behind me and having a fresh start, a healthy start, is really exciting."