Anthony Volpe’s Yankees Third Base Debut Shows Positional Flexibility

Anthony Volpe made his first major‑league start at third base for the New York Yankees during a doubleheader against the Orioles, a move that underscores his growing positional flexibility. Although he saw limited action, the experience is part of the Yankees’ broader strategy to prepare for the pl…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 26 Sep 2026 05:18:21 GMT

On Friday night, the New York Yankees gave rookie infielder Anthony Volpe his first major‑league start at the hot corner, a position he has not played before in the big leagues. The move came during a doubleheader opener against the Baltimore Orioles, a game the Yankees lost 10‑2. Despite a quiet outing, the experience was deemed valuable by manager Aaron Boone and the coaching staff, who said it helped the young player understand the nuances of third base and added a new dimension to his already versatile skill set.

Why Third Base?

Volpe, who has spent most of his career at shortstop and has recently transitioned to second base at Triple‑A, was placed at third base to give him a taste of the position’s demands. Third base, often called the “hot corner,” requires quick reflexes, a strong arm, and the ability to read hard‑hit balls. By the ninth inning, a ball was finally hit to the spot, but it ricocheted off the bag and over Volpe’s head, giving him no chance to make a play. The rest of the game offered no other opportunities for him to showcase his defensive skills.

Despite the lack of action, Boone emphasized the importance of the experience. “Not a lot of action over there, but there’s something to be said for being in there and thinking through the situations and moving and setting up how you’re supposed to,” Boone said. He added that Volpe’s time at third base will help him anticipate plays and improve his overall defensive awareness.

Coaching and Mentorship

Volpe credited several members of the Yankees’ coaching staff for helping him adapt to the new position. Third baseman Ryan McMahon, infield coach Dan Fiorito, Triple‑A infield coach Gil Velasquez, and former teammate Oswaldo Cabrera all played roles in teaching him the fundamentals of third base. “No matter where you play, you got to anticipate and know where you got to be. I feel like I’ve picked it up,” Volpe said.

The coaching staff’s willingness to experiment with player positions reflects the Yankees’ broader strategy of building a flexible roster for the postseason. By giving players experience in multiple spots, the team can make more aggressive decisions with pinch hitters and runners during the AL Wild Card Series, especially against the Boston Red Sox.

Postseason Preparation and Roster Moves

Friday’s doubleheader was part of a series of “postseason tryouts” the Yankees held in the final week of the regular season. Veteran outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, rookie outfielder Trent Grisham, and left‑handed pitcher Ryan Weathers all faced live pitching to demonstrate their readiness for the postseason roster. Weathers, who has been dealing with a left forearm flexor strain, threw an inning of about 20 pitches, and manager Boone said the outing looked healthy. Stanton, who has been sidelined for five months with calf strains, was also evaluated for a potential pinch‑hitting role depending on the number of position players the Yankees carry.

Trent Grisham, who has been out with a hamstring strain, could be added as a fourth outfielder or even start in center field against right‑handed hitters, with Spencer Jones moving to right. The Yankees’ coaching staff is also keeping an eye on pitcher Carlos Lagrange, who has not yet pitched in a regular‑season game due to a shoulder sprain. Lagrange’s status remains uncertain, but he could be an option for the postseason if his arm holds up.

Looking Ahead

With the regular‑season finale potentially jeopardized by a nor’easter, the Yankees are preparing for the possibility of calling up Elmer Rodríguez for a late‑season push. Meanwhile, Fernando Cruz, who has a partially torn UCL, was transferred to the 60‑day injured list, effectively ending his postseason hopes. As the team moves into the playoffs, the experience gained by players like Volpe in new positions will be a key factor in how the Yankees structure their lineup and bullpen.

In short, Anthony Volpe’s brief stint at third base may seem minor, but it is part of a larger plan to build a roster that can adapt to the unpredictable demands of postseason baseball. The coaching staff’s focus on versatility and readiness will be crucial as the Yankees aim to secure a playoff berth and compete for the American League pennant.

Key facts

Anthony Volpe starts at third base for the first time in MLB
The move is part of a broader strategy to build positional flexibility
Coaching staff praised Volpe’s adaptability and learning curve
Postseason tryouts include key players like Stanton, Grisham, and Weathers
The Yankees are evaluating roster options amid injuries and weather concerns

Why it matters

Volpe’s experience at third base demonstrates the Yankees’ commitment to roster flexibility, a critical factor in navigating the high‑stakes environment of the postseason.