Anthony Volpe Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Future Uncertain for Yankees

New York, NY – Anthony Volpe, the New York Yankees‘ starting shortstop, has undergone shoulder surgery, raising questions about his future with the team. Volpe, who has played the position since 2022, is expected to begin the 2026 season on the injured list as he recovers from the procedure.

Dr. Brian Schulz, an orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics, provided insights on Volpe’s injury and recovery. Although Schulz has not treated Volpe directly, he has experience with similar injuries. On October 22, the Yankees announced Volpe underwent surgery after struggling with a partially torn labrum.

The injury occurred on May 3 when Volpe dove for a ball and felt a “pop” in his shoulder. Although he continued to play through the season, Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed in September that Volpe had not reported significant pain despite the damage, resulting in a disappointing performance with an 83 wRC+ and 19 errors, tying for the American League lead.

While Boone downplayed the impact of the injury, general manager Brian Cashman suggested that Volpe’s performance was indeed affected. Schulz pointed out that Volpe’s statistics showed initial improvement following cortisone shots but that his performance declined afterward.

After receiving a cortisone shot during the All-Star break, Volpe had a significant spike in performance but regressed following the subsequent weeks. Schulz explained that cortisone helps reduce inflammation but can mask underlying issues, making it difficult for players to assess their condition accurately.

Schulz explained that the typical recovery period for such injuries requires at least three months of healing before Volpe can swing a bat and will take an additional four to eight weeks for him to regain strength. The doctor emphasized the risk of rushing back to play, which could lead to re-injury.

The Yankees are now weighing their options as they look towards Opening Day, with José Caballero likely stepping in as the starting shortstop. As the team navigates Volpe’s recovery, the overarching question remains: What kind of player will Volpe be upon his return?