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Volpe Denies Refusing Second Base; Report Proven False

7/10/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Volpe Refutes Report

Anthony Volpe denied a report that he refused to play second base before the July 9, 2026 game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Aaron Boone said Volpe’s character and team-first mindset are beyond reproach and that he would play any spot.
Brian Cashman said Volpe gave no resistance to other positions and the club never discussed a move.
Michael Kay later posted that his earlier report was “absolutely no truth.”

Summary

Kay Apologizes

Michael Kay posted a controversial clip about Volpe on X on July 8, 2026, withdrawing it before the game.
After the clip aired, X users unleashed a wave of vitriolic comments toward Volpe.
Volpe, who began the season on the injured list after shoulder labrum surgery, was fielding grounders at second base and offered to play catcher.
Kay announced he would meet Volpe to apologize for the erroneous report.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1990s Yankees-Mets rivalry has sparked media storms, exemplified by the 1998 Yankees’ record 114-win season and the 2004 Soriano-for-Rodríguez trade that moved Derek Jeter to shortstop. That history of sensational coverage set the stage for ESPN’s mistaken 2004 Jeter position report and the July 8 2026 false X claim about Mets rookie Anthony Volpe, prompting swift fan backlash and an official apology.

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Volpe Refutes Report

Anthony Volpe denied a report that he refused to play second base before the July 9, 2026 game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Aaron Boone said Volpe’s character and team-first mindset are beyond reproach and that he would play any spot.
Brian Cashman said Volpe gave no resistance to other positions and the club never discussed a move.
Michael Kay later posted that his earlier report was “absolutely no truth.”

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