Anthony Volpe faces big test in first rehab start:…
Anthony Volpe started a rehab task Tuesday and did so with an instant test against a fellow big leaguer: Phillies ace Zack Wheeler.
Of course, the outcomes and matchups of Volpe’s rehab video games are usually not as important as building up his workload as he finishes his comeback from October surgical procedure to restore a torn labrum in his left shoulder, but dealing with Wheeler — who made another rehab start as he recovers from surgical procedures for a blood clot and thoracic outlet syndrome — provided little room for easing back into the batter’s box in his first recreation with Double-A Somerset.
“I feel amazing,” Volpe said after going 0-for-2 with two strikeouts while enjoying 5 innings in the sector. “It’s a big milestone, big checkpoint. Felt good to get back out there.”
The Yankees shortstop is anticipated to play in 4 video games with Double-A Somerset this week, including a potential back-to-back Thursday and Friday, before probably shifting to a different affiliate that is enjoying at home next week to continue upping his stamina.
Anthony Volpe talks to reporters after his first rehab recreation with the Somerset Patriots on April 14, 2026. @SOMPatriots / X
General supervisor Brian Cashman said Friday the goal was for Volpe to accrue around 55 at-bats — simulating the everyday spring training workload — though the Yankees might also embrace at-bats from live batting apply and those taken off the Trajekt pitching machine in that tally.
Aaron Boone said the Yankees sending Jake Bird to Triple-A after Monday’s recreation had more to do with needing a recent arm than something in specific they needed the reliever to work on at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The membership called up Yerry De los Santos for the day on Tuesday to take the open spot in the bullpen after Bird gave up three runs in an inning Monday.
De los Santos’ keep was temporary, as he was optioned proper back to Triple-A after giving up one run in two innings and throwing 44 pitches in a 7-1 loss to the Angels.
“Obviously, Birdie had a tough one [Monday] night, but in a lot of winning games, Jake Bird’s played a big role with some big innings, some big outs,” Boone said. “So I feel like that’s still very much in there and he’ll be an option as his 15 days comes up or a need arises. But more the needing of some coverage.”
Last season, after the Yankees acquired Bird at the commerce deadline, they demoted him to Triple-A following three video games, and he never obtained back up the remainder of the yr.
This time around figures to be different, particularly as they still strive to work out who they will trust at the back end of the bullpen.
Ben Rice was not the only common out of the lineup Tuesday against Angels lefty Reid Detmers — fellow left-handed bats Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Cody Bellinger had been as properly.
Rice entered as a pinch-hitter in the eighth and hit a sacrifice fly to drive in the Yankees’ only run.
Amed Rosario began for Chisholm at second while Randal Grichuk began in left subject for Bellinger (with Trent Grisham getting his first start against a lefty this season).
“Just feel like Jazz is one of those guys that’s kind of been grinding and scuffling a little bit to start the season,” Boone said. “With [Ryan] Weathers going and [a] right-handed lineup, like the pull-side defense [at third base] with [Ryan McMahon]. … Belli, I just felt like the last few days he’s been grinding a little bit too, and a guy that’s played every inning of every game so far. So just wanted to be mindful as we’re in our first long stretch, probably not the worst thing to have him start down today.”
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