New York Yankees infielder Anthony Volpe is getting work at third base just days before the MLB playoffs, giving the club another infield option to evaluate before October begins.
Manager Aaron Boone said earlier Wednesday that Volpe would probably play third this week while George Lombard Jr. remains at shortstop. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. back from the injured list and returning to second base, third could provide Volpe another path to playing time.
ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reported the development Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter, after seeing Volpe work alongside Amed Rosario during early drills at Yankee Stadium.
“Anthony Volpe is taking groundballs at third base with Amed Rosario during some early work at Yankee Stadium. He hasn't played there in the majors, but he started three games there in Triple-A before getting called back up.”
Volpe has never appeared at third base in the majors, but New York expanded his defensive responsibilities during his August stint with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He started 19 games at second base, 15 at shortstop and three at third before returning to the Yankees on September 10.
Article Continues BelowThe 25-year-old previously served as New York’s everyday shortstop and won the 2023 American League Gold Glove at the position. Lombard has since taken over regular duties there, while Chisholm reclaimed second after returning Tuesday from a right-thumb sprain.
That leaves third base as the clearest new option for Volpe. Ryan McMahon remains the Yankees’ primary third baseman, while Rosario gives Boone another veteran alternative.
The timing gives New York several regular-season games to evaluate Volpe before Tuesday’s Wild Card Series opener. Tampa Bay’s AL East clincher secured the Yankees the American League’s No. 4 seed.
Wednesday’s drills do not guarantee him a third-base start or postseason roster spot. It does, however, show the Yankees are testing his versatility before finalizing their October infield plans.