Anthony Volpe, the New York Yankees' top shortstop prospect, lost both of his team’s automated ball-strike (ABS) challenges in the first six pitches of a Triple-A game on Wednesday, a costly misstep in his effort to return to the majors.
Volpe, batting leadoff for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, challenged two called strikes in the first at-bat of the game. The first challenge, on a high offspeed pitch, was denied after review confirmed the pitch clipped the top of the strike zone. The second challenge, on a fastball that hit the lower-outside corner, was also overturned. The RailRiders were left without any remaining challenges for the remainder of the game.
The RailRiders ultimately lost 11-3 to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, though Volpe finished the game 2-for-4 with a triple, raising his Triple-A average to .242—nearly identical to his .240 batting average with the Yankees this season. Volpe has recorded at least one hit in each of his five games since being demoted to Triple-A earlier this month.
Yankees promote top prospect George Lombard Jr.
The Yankees sent Volpe to the minors earlier this month to promote George Lombard Jr., their top shortstop prospect, who has performed strongly in his brief MLB debut. Lombard is hitting .320 with a .953 OPS in seven games, including two home runs, surpassing Volpe’s single-season total. Lombard also avoided any ABS challenges in his first at-bat of his MLB career.
Volpe’s season performance and contract status
Volpe, who signed a $3.6 million contract last offseason to avoid arbitration, has struggled in the majors this year. Through 56 games, he posted a .647 OPS, with a .240 batting average, .325 on-base percentage, and .322 slugging percentage—all career lows. He recorded just one home run during his MLB stint.
The Yankees have not indicated a timeline for Volpe’s potential return, though his performance in the minors and Lombard’s rapid success complicate his path back to the majors. The team’s middle infield situation may shift in the offseason, as Jazz Chisholm Jr. is set to become a free agent, potentially creating an opportunity for Volpe to remain in the organization if he regains form.
Volpe’s next steps will be closely watched as the Yankees evaluate their shortstop hierarchy for 2025 and beyond.