Yankees' Anthony Volpe set for first rehab assignment after 'clean slate' to tinker with swing

Shortstop excited to begin rehab stint after shoulder surgery, plans to make adjustments to his batting approach

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance and swing broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the analytical approach Volpe is taking to improve his swing.Volpe's rehab assignment offers a chance to deconstruct and rebuild his swing mechanics for a fresh start.St. Petersburg Today

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is set to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset as soon as Tuesday, six months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Volpe, who has struggled offensively in his first three big league seasons, viewed the rehab process as a 'blank slate' to analyze and improve his swing mechanics.

Why it matters

Volpe is a highly touted prospect and the Yankees' shortstop of the future. His successful return from injury and development of his offensive game will be crucial for the team's long-term plans at the position.

The details

Volpe stayed back in Tampa to continue his rehab, which has included taking live at-bats in simulated games over the past week and a half. He is scheduled to see team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad on Monday, and if he gets the all-clear, will begin a rehab assignment, which comes with a maximum 20-day clock. Despite spending most of the offseason rehabbing the shoulder, Volpe said he viewed it as a 'clean slate' to analyze his swing and see how he could get better after three full big league seasons in which he has posted an OPS of .666, .657 and .663.

  • Volpe could begin a rehab assignment as soon as Tuesday with Double-A Somerset.
  • Volpe is scheduled to see team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad on Monday.

The players

Anthony Volpe

A highly touted New York Yankees shortstop prospect who is set to begin a rehab assignment after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Dr. Christopher Ahmad

The New York Yankees' team physician who will evaluate Volpe on Monday before clearing him to begin his rehab assignment.

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What they’re saying

“Probably the most excited I've ever been. Just having that perspective [of missing time], it doesn't matter, I'll play anywhere, I'll do anything.”

— Anthony Volpe, Yankees Shortstop

“Just cleaning up my bat path and just keeping it on plane for a lot longer. We found some stuff where it kind of went wrong. I think the stuff we worked on is very objective, and I feel like I can make adjustments off of it.”

— Anthony Volpe, Yankees Shortstop

What’s next

If Volpe gets the all-clear from Dr. Ahmad, he will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset, which has a maximum 20-day clock.

The takeaway

Volpe's successful return from injury and development of his offensive game will be crucial for the Yankees' long-term plans at shortstop. His positive outlook and willingness to make adjustments to his swing mechanics during the rehab process suggest he is determined to take advantage of this 'clean slate' opportunity.