In a dramatic series opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night, the New York Yankees faced an injury scare involving their star shortstop, Anthony Volpe, amid an early offensive surge. The incident occurred in the first inning after Volpe smashed a two-run homer to right field. Later in the same inning, with the bases loaded, Volpe was struck on the left elbow by an 88.8 mph changeup from Red Sox starter Walker Buehler, pushing the Yankees’ lead to 7-0.
Visibly in pain, Volpe winced as he made his way to first base, where he was met by manager Aaron Boone and the team’s trainers. Despite the discomfort, he initially remained in the game. However, after taking the field for the top of the third inning, the Yankees decided to pull him before the fourth, replacing him with Oswald Peraza.
The team later announced that Volpe had sustained a left elbow contusion. Fortunately, X-rays and a CT scan came back negative, ruling out any structural damage. “Knowing that it’s truly sound and I’ve just got to get the swelling out, I’m definitely optimistic,” Volpe told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch after the game.
Although Volpe expressed confidence in returning to the lineup on Saturday, Boone, after consulting with the training staff, opted to give him an extra day of rest. “Strength, everything’s good. He’s got pretty good-sized swelling in there still,” Boone explained, per SNY’s Phillip Martinez. “Talking to the trainers, it will do him well to try and get one more day and get some treatment. Hope to be back there tomorrow.”
In Volpe’s absence, Peraza started at shortstop on Saturday. However, Volpe made a brief appearance, entering as a pinch runner for DJ LeMahieu in the bottom of the eighth inning and taking the field at shortstop in the top of the ninth. Despite the Yankees’ 10-7 loss, Volpe’s ability to return to action was a positive sign.
As the Yankees prepare for the rubber match against Boston, questions remain about whether Volpe can handle a full workload. His limited but successful participation on Saturday suggests he has avoided a serious injury, offering hope that he’ll soon be back to full strength.