On Friday night, June 6, 2025, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, the New York Yankees played the first game of their weekend series against the Boston Red Sox. The game started well for the Yankees. In the first inning, shortstop Anthony Volpe hit a two-run home run to right field off Boston pitcher Walker Buehler. It was Volpe’s eighth home run of the season and helped the Yankees take an early lead.
Later in that same inning, Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a three-run homer to center field off Buehler. By the end of the first, the Yankees were up 5-0. In the second inning, the team added more runs and had the bases loaded when Volpe came up to bat again. On a 2-2 count, Buehler threw an 89-mile-per-hour changeup that hit Volpe directly on the left elbow. Volpe walked to first base, and another run scored, giving the Yankees a 7-0 lead.
At first, Volpe stayed in the game. He played the top of the third inning on defense, though no balls were hit to him. But before the fourth inning began, the Yankees took him out. Oswald Peraza replaced him at shortstop.
- Anthony Volpe was hit on the left elbow by an 89-mph pitch and left Friday’s game in the fourth inning.
- X-rays and a CT scan showed no serious injury, but swelling and stiffness kept him out of Saturday’s starting lineup.
- Volpe is day-to-day; he returned briefly on Saturday and may play in the upcoming series against Kansas City.
Tests Show No Serious Damage, but Swelling Keeps Volpe Out
After the game, the Yankees said that Volpe had a bruise on his left elbow. He was dealing with swelling, pain, and joint stiffness. The team sent him for both X-rays and a CT scan. The results were good news—there were no broken bones or structural damage.
Volpe spoke to reporters after the game and said, “I expect to be in there (Saturday). It’s how I was brought up in the game. You want to be available for the team.” He added that he felt optimistic once he knew the elbow was stable and he just needed to reduce the swelling.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was also hopeful but more cautious. He said, “A little stiff and sore, but hopefully nothing that keeps him out for very long.” He explained that the medical staff thought an extra day of rest and treatment would help. Boone said, “Strength, everything’s good. He’s got pretty good-sized swelling in there still.”
Although Volpe wanted to play the next day, the Yankees kept him out of the starting lineup on Saturday. Peraza started at shortstop again.
Volpe Appears Late Saturday, But Yankees Fall
Even though Volpe did not start on Saturday, he still made a late appearance. In the bottom of the eighth inning, he came in as a pinch runner for DJ LeMahieu. He stayed in the game to play shortstop in the top of the ninth. The Yankees lost that game 10-7.
Sunday Return: Volpe Starts, Yankees Lose Series Finale
On Sunday, June 8, Volpe returned to the starting lineup, playing with added elbow protection. He went 2-for-5 with a double, showing no lingering issues from the injury.
Despite two home runs by Aaron Judge and a solid offensive showing, the Yankees’ pitching faltered. Starter Carlos Rodón gave up five runs, and the bullpen couldn’t contain the Red Sox in a game that ended 11–7 in Boston’s favor. The Red Sox took the series, 2–1.
Volpe’s Season Stats and Role on the Team
Before the injury, Volpe had played in 60 games this season. His batting average was .241. He had an on-base percentage of .321 and a slugging percentage of .429. He had hit eight home runs, driven in 37 runs, and stolen seven bases. He also improved his plate discipline, with a 10% walk rate and a 20.7% chase rate. His average exit velocity was 90.7 mph, and his hard-hit rate was 46.3%.
Volpe is known for staying in the lineup. Last season, he played in 160 out of 162 games. The year before, as a rookie, he played in 159 games. For him, missing even one game is unusual.
On the Red Sox side, Jazz Chisholm Jr., who hit a three-run home run on Friday, was not in the lineup on Saturday. Pablo Reyes played third base in that game instead. The reason for Chisholm’s absence was not given.
