New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has publicly pushed back against a since-retracted report claiming he refused to play second base during a spell in Triple-A this season. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the 25-year-old called the claim "B.S.", insisting it "couldn't be further from the truth" and stressing that he would "literally do anything" to help the team win. The rare public rebuttal is notable because Volpe, who has drawn criticism from the fan base over inconsistent hitting, typically absorbs such scrutiny without responding.

Volpe said the Yankees had not raised a position switch with him until José Caballero, who opened the season as shortstop, returned from the injured list in May. Volpe, who had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, said he approached his rehabilitation and rehab assignment with the mindset of remaining a shortstop, having been told by the club to be ready for that role. He was optioned to Triple-A on 4 May, when he was due to come off the injured list, because of Caballero's strong start. General manager Brian Cashman had said the plan was always for Volpe to return to shortstop, but Caballero's performance forced the team's hand.