
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
The New York Yankees are seeking a lineup boost after struggling in recent series, coinciding with Anthony Volpe's return to game action during a minor-league rehab start. Fans are particularly interested in the implications for the team as they navigate their current challenges.
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 16: Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) walks to the dugout during the Philadelphia Phillies versus the Baltimore Orioles on June 16, 2024 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The New York Yankees have struggled in their last three series and they could be looking for a boost to the lineup.
Thatâs one big reason why fans were tuned into shortstop Anthony Volpeâs return to game action during a minor-league rehab start on Tuesday.
âThe Yankees shortstop took two at-bats and played five innings in the field for Double-A Somerset on Tuesday in the next step of his rehab from left shoulder surgery,â Brian Murphy wrote for MLB.com. âPlaying not too far from where he grew up in Watchung, N.J., Volpe said last week that this was âprobably the most excited Iâve ever beenâ to play in a game. The goal, according to general manager Brian Cashman, is to have Volpe log about 55 plate appearances and play shortstop consistently in the Minors before he makes his 2026 big league debut.â
But beyond those public goals, the team is surely hoping to see some better results from Volpe, who took a significant step back on both defense and offense amid his injury last season. With the Yankeesâ bats suddenly going cold, a boost from Volpe would be more than welcomed.
Volpe went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts in his outing, but there could be a good reason. He was facing three-time All-Star Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler, who is working his own way back to the big leagues after a surgery.
âPhillies right-hander Zack Wheeler struck out nine in 5 2/3 innings in his fourth rehab start on Tuesday night with Double-A Reading,â per MLB.comâs Todd Zolecki. âWheeler struck out five of the first six Somerset batters he faced in Bridgewater Township, N.J., including the side in the second inning. Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe, who began a rehab assignment on Tuesday, struck out twice against Wheeler.â
In his return from game action, Volpe might have hoped for a less notable pitching matchup. But when he was asked about the kind of gauge that facing such an accomplished pitcher offered him in his first rehab start, Volpe offered a response on how the Philliesâ starâs own recovery appears to be going.
âHe looked good and it was a great challenge,â Volpe said after the game, per an interview video shared by SNY on X.
But even though Wheeler got the better of Volpe in their rehab matchup, the Yankeesâ star shortstop offered a three-word response on getting the chance to face such an accomplished pitcher in his return to the diamond.
âIt was great,â Volpe added.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Anthony Volpe sent a three-word message regarding Zack Wheeler, indicating his acknowledgment of the pitcher's performance.
The Yankees have struggled in their last three series, prompting discussions about potential lineup changes.
Anthony Volpe returned to game action during a minor-league rehab start on Tuesday.
Volpe's return could provide a much-needed boost to the Yankees' struggling lineup as they look to improve their performance.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Analyst Says Cowboys May Not Trade Up in NFL Draft Despite Expectations
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is in a dispute with FIFA over $100 travel prices for the 2026 World Cup. The disagreement centers on the financial burden placed on the state due to the event's logistics.
Boston Celtics to face Philadelphia 76ers in 2026 NBA Playoffs starting April 19.
WWE is reportedly targeting AEW's Persephone as her contract nears expiration.
Jets have second-best odds to draft QB Ty Simpson with 28 TDs
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.