Anthony Volpe sidelined for Saturday after being hit by pitch

The New York Yankees’ earlier optimism took a hit Saturday as Anthony Volpe was held out of the lineup due to lingering soreness and stiffness in his left elbow. 

Volpe left Friday’s game after being hit by a pitch from Red Sox starter Walker Buehler. Although X-rays and CT scans showed no structural damage, manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Volpe was hurting. 

“A little stiff and sore, but hopefully nothing that keeps him out for very long,” Boone said Friday night. 

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11)

© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Yankees are hopeful he will avoid the injured list, but for a workhorse like Volpe, missing a game is a big deal. In fact, Volpe told reporters Friday night he would be in the lineup Saturday.

Still, the team is playing it safe, with Oswald Peraza expected to cover shortstop duties for the foreseeable future. Oddly, Jazz Chisholm, who is coming off a great Friday night, was also out of the lineup Saturday with Pablo Reyes playing this base. 

Volpe has been a key contributor this season, hitting .241 with a .321 on-base percentage and .429 slugging in 60 games. He’s chipped in eight homers, 37 RBIs, and seven stolen bases.

Notably, Volpe has improved his plate discipline, posting a career-best 10% walk rate and a 20.7% chase rate. His average exit velocity has climbed to 90.7 mph, with a hard-hit rate of 46.3%, reflecting a more consistent and powerful offensive approach.

A true workhorse, Volpe rarely misses time, having played 160 of 162 games last season and 159 in his rookie year.

While avoiding the injured list is a positive, the Yankees will wait until Volpe is fully healthy before sending him back onto the field.