Jazz Chisholm’s message to Yankees fans on Anthony Volpe

Volpe never used his injury as an excuse for his poor 2025 season, but Chisholm brought it up unprompted.

“I feel like he’s pretty much a tough kid,” Chisholm said. “He played a whole season injured.”

Almost.

Volpe partially tore his left labrum diving in the Yankees’ 33rd game last year. He made it through the season thanks to at least two cortisone shots, but his 19 errors and .963 fielding percentage ranked last among regular AL shortstops. His .212 batting average and 25.2% strikeout rate were big disappointments.

“He was sticking his butt out there for the team,” Chisholm added. “He easily could have sat down a whole year last year and get his shoulder right. But he stuck it out for us and we made the playoffs. I mean, he was the starting shortstop last year for a playoff team ... for the last two years. To be able to do that, that should just show you how tough he is.

“To go put his body on the line and his career on the line for us to go out there to go try and win the championship. So for me, I think he’s a pretty tough kid.”

Volpe did contribute some offense, too. His 19 homers and 72 RBIs were career-highs.

Before returning, Volpe received a pep talk over the phone from Chisholm.

“I talked to him a little bit,” Chisholm said. “I feel like this is what he’s made for. He knows New York better than anybody. He’s from Jersey. So for me, I feel like he’s gonna be alright.

“It’s been tough being hurt and trying to come back from what he’s gone through, but he’s built for this. We both think he’s gonna be great.”

At least for a few games, Volpe will get a chance to redeem himself. He’ll be the starter on most days while Caballero is sidelined, manager Aaron Boone said. But after 10 days, Caballero could be off the IL, and whenever that occurs he’ll go back to starting.

“Yeah,” Boone said. “He’s played as well as anyone out there, so that would be my expectation.”

When that occurs, the Yankees could keep Max Schuemann as their reserve infielder because he can play second, short and third, plus corner outfield. Because of this versatility, Volpe could find himself back in Triple-A.

“We’ll see what makes the most sense,” Boone said. “I wouldn’t commit to one way or another on that right now.”

If Volpe ends up back in Scranton, he may be told to start playing some second and third base because a utility role could be his best and fastest path to sticking with the Yankees again at some point.

However this plays out, Volpe will continue getting a lot of support from his double-play partner.

“I love Volpe,” Chisholm said. “We all know that. Me and Volpe have a special bond of how we are.”

Chisholm is a fan of the shortstop he’s played with this season, too. He knows Caballero’s hitting, stealing and fielding have been major contributions to a 27-16 ballclub.

“It sucks, especially for (Caballero),” Chisholm said. “You get a chance to start and play every day and show what you’ve got. Especially that he’s playing really well, it kind of sucks that he’s gonna not be out there, especially how we’ve been playing. A big part of it is because of his game, so that kind of sucks, too.”

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