Shortstop Anthony Volpe denies false position report

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe forcefully denied a report on Wednesday that he refused to play second base while in the minor leagues earlier this season, calling the claim "B.S." and stating he would do "literally anything" to help the team win. The report, initially circulated by broadcaster Michael Kay, was retracted by Kay on the same day after he said further checking revealed it was untrue.

Volpe, 25, addressed the matter with reporters in St. Petersburg, Florida, ahead of the Yankees' game against the Tampa Bay Rays. He expressed confusion and frustration, saying the narrative had forced him to defend his character over an incident that never occurred. He emphasized that his willingness to play any position had been clearly communicated to manager Aaron Boone and the team. Volpe specifically recalled telling Boone when he was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in early May that he would even play catcher if needed.

The situation stems from the Yankees' infield configuration earlier this season. Volpe began the year on the injured list following offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. During his absence, José Caballero performed...