Yankees Star Sends 3-Word Message On Phillies’ Zack Wheeler After Return

Q: What did Yankees star Anthony Volpe say about Zack Wheeler?

Anthony Volpe sent a three-word message regarding Zack Wheeler, indicating his acknowledgment of the pitcher's performance.

Q: How has the Yankees' performance been recently?

The Yankees have struggled in their last three series, prompting discussions about potential lineup changes.

Q: When did Anthony Volpe return to game action?

Anthony Volpe returned to game action during a minor-league rehab start on Tuesday.

Q: What impact could Volpe's return have on the Yankees?

Volpe's return could provide a much-needed boost to the Yankees' struggling lineup as they look to improve their performance.

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.

That’s one big reason why fans were tuned into shortstop Anthony Volpe’s return to game action during a minor-league rehab start on Tuesday.

“The 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,” Brian Murphy wrote for MLB.com. “Playing not too far from where he grew up in Watchung, N.J., Volpe said last week that this was ‘probably the most excited I’ve ever been’ 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.”

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 Yankees’ bats suddenly going cold, a boost from Volpe would be more than welcomed.

Philadelphia Phillies Ace Zack Wheeler Dominates New York Yankees’ Anthony Volpe In Return

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.

“Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler struck out nine in 5 2/3 innings in his fourth rehab start on Tuesday night with Double-A Reading,” per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki. “Wheeler 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.”

New York Yankees Star Shortstop Anthony Volpe Offers 3-Word Response On Facing Philadelphia Phillies’ Zack Wheeler

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 Phillies’ star’s own recovery appears to be going.

“He looked good and it was a great challenge,” 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 Yankees’ star shortstop offered a three-word response on getting the chance to face such an accomplished pitcher in his return to the diamond.

“It was great,” Volpe added.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com