New York Yankees fans had every reason to savor their recent victory over the Boston Red Sox, but the celebration was bittersweet. In Friday’s game, shortstop Anthony Volpe was struck on his left elbow by a pitch from Walker Buehler, forcing him to exit early. The sight of Volpe, a player who has only missed seven games in his MLB career, leaving the field sparked immediate concern. When his name was absent from Saturday’s lineup, panic began to ripple through the fanbase. However, according to manager Aaron Boone, the Yankees may have narrowly escaped a disaster.
Initially slated to start on Saturday, Volpe was scratched due to swelling in his elbow. While missing a game is far from ideal, the fact that he was nearly ready to play and could return as early as Sunday—or at the latest, Tuesday for the Yankees open their next series—is a massive relief. An injury like this, in such a vulnerable spot, could have sidelined him for weeks, if not longer.
A sigh of relief for a rising star
The incident was alarming, especially for a player as durable as Volpe. Seeing him leave Friday’s game a couple of innings after the hit and then missing his name in the lineup the next day was unsettling. But Boone’s update brought reassuring news: Volpe is expected to be fine. For a 24-year-old blossoming into a cornerstone of the Yankees’ roster, this is the best-case scenario outcome.
Aaron Boone said Anthony Volpe was initially in his lineup but he does have some swelling in his elbow. He could be available tomorrow
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) June 7, 2025
Volpe may not yet be a household name, but his contributions are undeniable. This season, he’s hitting .237/.316/.429 with seven home runs and 34 RBI. While those numbers might not dazzle, his 110 OPS+ indicates he’s 10 percent better than the league-average hitter. Add to that his Gold Glove-caliber defense at shortstop—a premium position—and it’s clear why he’s so valuable. Volpe has posted at least 3.3 bWAR in each of his first two seasons and already has 1.8 bWAR this year, underscoring his all-around impact.
Why Volpe’s health matters
The Yankees’ infield depth is a weak point, making Volpe’s presence even more critical. While Oswald Peraza can fill in at shortstop occasionally, relying on him long-term would be a gamble the Yankees can’t afford. Volpe’s combination of offensive reliability and elite defense is not easily replaced, and a prolonged absence could have derailed the team’s momentum.
For now, Yankees fans can breathe easier knowing their young star avoided a serious injury. All eyes will be on Volpe’s recovery, with hopes he’ll be back in the lineup on Sunday or Tuesday. If Boone’s optimism holds true, the Yankees will have dodged a bullet—and kept their postseason aspirations intact.