Yankees’ Anthony Volpe Hints at Possible Earlier Return From Shoulder Surgery
The New York Yankees could be getting an important piece of their infield back sooner than many initially expected, as shortstop Anthony Volpe recently hinted that his recovery timeline may be trending ahead of schedule.
Volpe underwent surgery in October to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury that first surfaced in May 2025 before being aggravated again in September, ultimately forcing him to play through discomfort during a difficult campaign.
The procedure effectively ruled him out for Opening Day 2026, but his recent comments suggest that an April return is no longer out of the question if rehabilitation continues progressing smoothly.
The Injury Timeline and Early Recovery
Volpe’s 2025 season was defined as much by durability questions as by performance struggles, as the shoulder issue visibly impacted both his offensive consistency and throwing mechanics across the diamond.
He finished the year batting .212 with a .391 slugging percentage and a .663 OPS, numbers well below expectations for a player once viewed as the franchise’s long-term solution at shortstop.
Defensively, his 19 errors led the American League, raising concerns about whether the injury had compromised his arm strength and footwork rhythm.
Following surgery, initial projections suggested a likely return sometime in May, though team officials maintained flexibility within a best-case and worst-case window.
Now, with spring training underway, Volpe has begun running, taking dry swings, and fielding ground balls, foundational steps that indicate functional stability is returning.
“Judging on how everything’s gone so far, I’m just excited,” Volpe said, signaling cautious optimism while acknowledging the structured rehabilitation plan overseen by team medical staff.
Competition at Shortstop
In Volpe’s absence, the Yankees are prepared to open the season with José Caballero handling shortstop duties after acquiring him from the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2025.
Caballero posted slightly stronger offensive numbers than Volpe last season and led Major League Baseball with 49 stolen bases, adding speed and lineup versatility.
Defensively, Caballero also outperformed Volpe in 2025, which complicates the narrative of an automatic reinstatement once Volpe is medically cleared.
The Yankees further insulated themselves by inviting veteran Paul DeJong to camp as a non-roster invitee, a move widely interpreted as an insurance policy amid uncertainty.
General manager Brian Cashman fueled speculation during the winter meetings when he suggested that competition would determine the position’s long-term occupant, remarking that “may the best man win and keep it.”
That statement underscored a shift from unconditional endorsement to performance-based evaluation.
Volpe’s Standing Within the Organization
Just two seasons ago, Volpe was heralded as the Yankees’ top overall prospect, a homegrown cornerstone expected to anchor the infield for the next decade.
His minor league tenure with the Somerset Patriots showcased offensive upside, disciplined plate approach, and defensive instincts that earned him a Gold Glove at the major league level early in his career.
The organization continues to believe that the disappointing 2025 performance was largely injury-driven rather than a true regression in skill.
If that evaluation proves accurate, a fully healthy Volpe in 2026 could restore both defensive reliability and offensive balance to a lineup seeking consistency behind established stars like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
The coming weeks will determine whether his return accelerates into April or aligns more conservatively with the original May projection.
For the Yankees, the calculus is delicate.
Rushing a franchise shortstop risks long-term durability, yet delaying his return unnecessarily could forfeit valuable early-season production.
Volpe’s confidence suggests belief in his recovery trajectory.
Now, the organization must balance optimism with caution as one of its foundational players works toward reclaiming his place in the Bronx.
