Yankees infielder ‘most excited I’ve ever been’ as rehab assignment nears

TL;DR

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is set to begin a rehab assignment with the Double-A Somerset Patriots after shoulder surgery. His return comes as the team struggles with a five-game losing streak and prepares for a series against the Los Angeles Angels.

The New York Yankees could use a boost.

The Bronx Bombers suffered a weekend sweep at the hands of the division rival Tampa Bay Rays. New York has dropped five games in a row to fall into a three-way atop the AL East with the Rays and Baltimore Orioles after starting 8-2.

As the Yankees prepare for a four-game home series against the Los Angeles Angels, one regular is nearing a return to the starting lineup.

MORE: Which New York baseball team will end their streak first?

Shortstop Anthony Volpe is set to begin a rehab assignment with the Double-A Somerset Patriots after recovering from surgery on his left shoulder. According to MLB.com Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch, Volpe is “probably the most excited I’ve ever been” to rejoin the team.

“I missed the guys,” Volpe said. “You watch on TV and you get texts after a game, but to be with everyone in the fight and everything — it’s a helpless feeling at the same time, but that’s what you miss the most, the camaraderie.

“You live and die with the guys, what they’re trying to do. You’re watching the pitchers to imagine you’re in the box. That’s how I do it.”

Volpe stayed behind at the Yankees’ spring training facility in Tampa, Florida, when camp broke last month. Hoch reported Volpe joined New York for the weekend series in nearby St. Petersburg, though he didn’t play.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman told Hoch he hopes Volpe will get about 55 at-bats in the minors.

Volpe has been a fixture at shortstop for the Yankees during the past three seasons. He has played at least 153 games in each campaign.

In 2025, Volpe slashed .212/.272/.391 with 19 home runs, 72 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie season of 2023.

Volpe injured his shoulder on May 3 last season, and the injury bothered him for the rest of the season.

“Every day, I feel better than the last day, so that’s definitely different,” Volpe said.

The Yankees and Angels open their series at 7:05 p.m. Monday, April 13, at Yankee Stadium.

Q&A

What injury did Anthony Volpe have that required surgery?

Anthony Volpe underwent surgery on his left shoulder.

How has the New York Yankees' recent performance affected their standings?

The Yankees have lost five consecutive games, placing them in a three-way tie atop the AL East with the Rays and Orioles after starting the season 8-2.

When is Anthony Volpe expected to return to the Yankees' lineup?

Anthony Volpe is beginning a rehab assignment, indicating he is close to rejoining the Yankees' starting lineup.