Yankees' Anthony Volpe Vows Not to Use Injury as Excuse for Struggles

The 24-year-old shortstop is returning from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Anthony Volpe, the Yankees' 24-year-old shortstop, is determined not to use his recent shoulder injury as an excuse for his poor performance last season. Volpe struggled defensively and offensively in 2025, despite playing through the injury. He is now recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and is focused on coming back stronger and helping the team win.

Why it matters

Volpe is a key part of the Yankees' future, and his ability to bounce back from this injury and regain his form will be crucial for the team's success. The Yankees are counting on Volpe to be their long-term solution at shortstop, and his development is being closely watched by the organization and fans.

The details

Volpe initially injured his left shoulder on a dive on May 3, 2025, but he continued to play through the pain. The end result was his worst season in pinstripes, as he struggled defensively and offensively. Volpe hit just .212 with a .663 OPS and 19 home runs. Now, after the surgery, Volpe is determined to come back stronger and prove he still has a place in the organization's future.

  • Volpe initially injured his left shoulder on May 3, 2025.
  • Volpe underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder in October 2025.
  • Volpe is expected to return to the Yankees' lineup in late April or early May 2026.

The players

Anthony Volpe

A 24-year-old shortstop for the New York Yankees who is recovering from shoulder surgery and is determined to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.

José Caballero

Expected to start the season at shortstop for the Yankees until Volpe returns from injury.

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What they’re saying

“I know I could have played better. I felt strong and good enough to go. If I didn't, I wouldn't have. But you definitely learn a lot about yourself. Then when you see what ended up happening and having to get surgery, you learn a lot about the mindset and how you got to be self-aware and aware of certain things going on. If you're going to play through it, how to perform and do the best you can.”

— Anthony Volpe (New York Post)

“The chip I've had on my shoulder has been there for my whole life, my whole career. I just can't wait to go back out there and play and feel good and perform and help the team win. At the end of the day, if I do that and I play the way I know I can play, everything will take care of itself.”

— Anthony Volpe (New York Post)

What’s next

Volpe will continue his rehab process, which includes dry swings, hitting off a tee, and eventually progressing to diving and playing in Grapefruit League games before rejoining the Yankees' lineup in late April or early May.

The takeaway

Volpe's determination to bounce back from his injury and poor 2025 season shows his commitment to the Yankees and his desire to prove he can be a long-term solution at shortstop. If he can regain his form, it will be a major boost for the Yankees as they look to contend for a championship.