Anthony Volpe played a key role in the New York Yankees’ 7-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, contributing with a go-ahead hit, an aggressive steal of third base that led to another run, and a home run. However, his defensive struggles remained in focus after he committed two errors during the game.
Volpe now has 15 errors this season, tying him with Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz for the most among Major League players. “I’ve never really experienced something like this,” Volpe said. “But I’ve got really good guys around me. I know what I’m capable of. It’s obviously frustrating, but it’s not discouraging. I know the standard I have for myself. I’m going to keep pushing until I prove it to myself every day.”
Manager Aaron Boone addressed Volpe’s difficulties in the field after the game. “We’ve got to get over it. We’ve got to get through it,” Boone said. “One thing is for certain, he’s really good out there. He’s clearly had some struggles and was a little indecisive with that last throw. We can’t be indecisive there. He’ll get through it, but obviously there’s been some tough moments here.”
The Yankees fell behind early after Volpe misplayed a ground ball in the first inning, which contributed to Tampa Bay scoring two runs on Jonny DeLuca’s triple.
“I just led Jazz too much,” Volpe said about his errant throw in the first inning. “With how we play in double-play depth and still trying to keep our range, you’re going to have plays where you’ve got to be precise on the feeds, and I wasn’t.” He added: “Even if I didn’t make an error the whole year, I’d still be working and trying to push my limits, push myself.”
Despite his defensive miscues, Volpe helped offensively with a single that drove in Jasson Domínguez for the go-ahead run in the fourth inning off Rays starter Joe Boyle. Cody Bellinger tied the game earlier with a three-run homer.
Volpe also advanced on an error and scored following a double steal when catcher Nick Fortes threw wildly into left field; later he hit his 15th home run of the season off Kevin Kelly.
Boone expressed confidence that Volpe would overcome his current challenges: “He’s going to grow from this, learn from it and come out on the other side. We’ve got to help him get there.”
As Thursday’s Trade Deadline approaches and as they look at possible roster changes, Volpe remains at shortstop for New York—a position made more urgent by these recent issues given his status as last year’s American League Gold Glove Award winner.
“He’s a good player. He’s a confident player,” starting pitcher Max Fried said of Volpe. “He got to the big leagues at an early age and has been really, really good defensively in his career so far. Everyone goes through different spurts where things aren’t going well, but everyone in this clubhouse has confidence that he’s that same guy.”
Paul Goldschmidt contributed an RBI single while Fried pitched 6 2/3 innings—allowing four hits and four runs (two earned) over 111 pitches—and Jonathan Loáisiga recorded four outs without allowing further damage late in the game.
Cody Bellinger spoke about team unity: “We’re all brothers in here. We’ve all got each others’ backs,” Bellinger said. “That’s the fun part about 162 [games]. Wins and losses come in a bunch of different ways. You’ve got to keep on rolling.”
