Anthony Volpe denies 'B.S.' report that he refused to play 2B - ESPN

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe strongly denied a report that he refused to play second base earlier this season, saying he was caught «off guard» by the since-retracted report, which he called «B.S.»

The beleaguered Volpe again came under scrutiny Tuesday when Michael Kay, the Yankees' longtime play-by-play announcer on the YES Network, reported that the former top prospect had rebuffed the team's suggestion to work out at second base during his minor league rehab assignment.

Volpe addressed the situation before Wednesday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays, saying the report «couldn't be further from the truth.»

«From my end, from our perspective, that's been very clearly communicated to [manager Aaron Boone] and the team,» Volpe said. «I think it's just kind of B.S.

»I'd hope my teammates in here, who I've played with for three-plus years, I'd hope they know my character and that I'd literally do anything to help the team win — literally anything. The narrative and what it tries to say about me, I feel like I'm defending myself over something that literally didn't happen."

Kay said Wednesday on social media that there is «absolutely no truth» to his initial report, which he delivered on his daily ESPN New York 880 radio show.

I spoke of a rumor yesterday on TMKS that Anthony Volpe would not play 2B in the minors. Sounded unlike him, so I checked further today and there is absolutely no truth to it whatsoever. He never refused to work at second. Will speak more of it today at 1 pm <a href=«https://x.com/ESPNNewYork?ref_src=» https:>@ESPNNewYork

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Boone strongly defended Volpe, who is struggling through another tough season at the plate and at shortstop.

«I know he would do anything,» Boone said Wednesday.