Anthony Volpe’s srand slam return changes Yankees’ September equation

2 weeks ago 23

Anthony Volpe returned to the New York Yankees because an injury created an unexpected opening.

One game later, the Yankees may have another difficult lineup decision coming.

Volpe collected three hits, drove in a career-high five runs and launched a grand slam during New York’s 10-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.

The win completed a three-game sweep and moved the Yankees within three games of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East. New York also opened a 4 1/2-game advantage over the Boston Red Sox for the American League’s top wild-card position. Volpe could hardly have produced a stronger response in his first major league game since early August.

Volpe Makes Immediate Impact In Yankees Return

The Yankees recalled Volpe after placing Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the 10-day injured list with a strained right thumb.

ANTHONY VOLPE GRAND SLAM pic.twitter.com/QUkm1wivQi

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 11, 2026

Volpe started at second base and quickly demonstrated that his time in Triple-A had not damaged his confidence. He delivered an RBI single during the second inning and added another single in the sixth. New York then erupted for six runs in the seventh, with Volpe providing the biggest swing.

The 25-year-old drove a 1-1 sinker from Jimmy Herget into the right-field seats for a grand slam and a 10-2 lead. The Yankee Stadium crowd responded by giving Volpe a curtain call. It was Volpe’s first major league home run since May 26 and his second regular-season grand slam. He also hit one during Game 4 of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Volpe went 3-for-4 and recorded his third three-hit performance of the season.

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Yankees Suddenly Have Another Lineup Option

Volpe lost his starting shortstop job to George Lombard Jr. and was optioned to Triple-A in early August. He responded by hitting 10 home runs in 28 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Minor league success did not guarantee that Volpe would immediately produce during a major league pennant race. His first game back nevertheless showed that the Yankees may have received more than a temporary injury replacement.

Playing second base could also increase Volpe’s value.

Lombard has earned an opportunity to remain at shortstop, while Chisholm’s eventual return will create another decision for manager Aaron Boone. Volpe’s ability to handle multiple positions could help New York keep his bat involved without disrupting the rest of the infield.

The Yankees have won eight of their last 11 games and are applying pressure to Tampa Bay in the AL East. Aaron Judge recently returned from the injured list, Luis Garcia Jr. reached 30 home runs for the first time Thursday and rookie Spencer Jones added three hits against Colorado. Volpe now gives New York another potential source of offense.

One game will not erase all the questions that led to his demotion. It did prove that Volpe returned prepared to help.