How Yankees' Anthony Volpe lost two ABS challenges in one Triple-A at-bat originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is back at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after his recent demotion.
Top prospect George Lombard Jr. has made headlines since his Major League debut, playing strong defense while providing offensive value at the bottom of New York's lineup.
If Volpe wants to return to the Majors this season, he will need a better approach and improved results at the plate.
During last night's game for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Volpe lost two ABS challenges in one six-pitch at-bat during the first inning.
Volpe smiled as he walked back to the dugout, but his teammates may not have found it humorous.
Anthony Volpe lost both challenges tonight in the first six pitches of the game.
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) August 13, 2026
"He's got a big smile on his face, I'm going to guess the other 27 guys on the team aren't real happy right now." pic.twitter.com/sj08rGwbDN
"Volpe bizarrely challenged a 3-0 pitch – a frankly pointless endeavor unless it is clear that the call was missed – which it was not, as the pitch was confirmed a strike," the New York Post's Erich Richter wrote.
Why waste two challenges in the first inning? Frankly, Volpe's decision appeared selfish.
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“They are out of challenges six pitches into the game,” Mike Zambelli said on the RailRiders broadcast. “He’s got a big smile on his face. I’m going to guess the other 27 guys on the team aren’t real happy right now.”
Zambelli was probably correct.
Volpe used poor judgment during this at-bat. Hopefully, this can be a learning experience for the shortstop as he tries to earn his Major League roster spot back.
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