Yankees’ Anthony Volpe minor league move hints at new role

New York Yankees infielder Anthony Volpe’s latest assignment with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders could point toward the franchise exploring greater defensive versatility for the 25-year-old.

On Saturday afternoon, Volpe was listed as the RailRiders’ starting third baseman and was batting second against the Worcester Red Sox. The move stood out because shortstop has been his primary position throughout his professional career, while he has also spent time at second base since being optioned to Triple-A earlier this month.

Saturday’s appearance was only the fourth time Volpe had played third base. His previous appearance at the position came with Single-A Tampa on June 3, 2021.

Volpe also started at shortstop and hit leadoff for the RailRiders on Friday against Worcester. He went 1-for-4 with one RBI as Scranton/Wilkes-Barre secured a 2-0 win.

The shift around the infield raises the possibility of Volpe developing into a utility option capable of handling shortstop, second base and third base.

Before being optioned to Triple-A, Volpe was hitting .240 with 41 hits, one home run, 19 RBIs, 20 runs and seven stolen bases through 56 games. He has spent all four seasons of his career in the Yankees organization after being selected in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

The move comes with the Yankees sitting second in the American League East at 76-59 after 135 games. New York split Saturday’s doubleheader opener against Boston, losing 6-0 after winning Friday’s series opener 1-0.

For now, Volpe’s move to third base provides another indication that the Yankees are testing his defensive flexibility as he continues working in Triple-A.

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