Anthony Volpe called out after blowing two ABS challenges in first at-bat: Big smile on his face

No one is laughing with Anthony Volpe in AAA.Volpe challenged two pitches during his leadoff at-bat in the first inning Wednesday for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and lost both, leaving his team with no challenges just six pitches into the game.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.

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 pitch just barely nicked the top-half of the zone to keep Volpe at-bat rather than on first base. The broadcast for the Yankees’ AAA affiliate was baffled by Volpe’s decision.“Kind of an odd challenge on  3-0,” color commentator Steve Degler said on the broadcast.“Might want to stick that one in your pocket and eat it.Make it 3-1.” Volpe then made matters worse.The shortstop, who has been unseated by George Lombard Jr., then challenged a 3-2 pitch after he was rung up on a borderline offering.The pitch was a fastball down and away from the right-handed-hitting Volpe, and the ABS system confirmed it nicked the zone.Volpe smiled while walking back to the dugout, which earned him some criticism“They are out of challenges six pitches into the game,” Mike Zambelli said.

“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.”Volpe started at second base Wednesday and his path back to the majors may hinge on how he handles his new position since he has endured struggles at times while manning shortstop.Lombard has shined both at the plate and in the field in his limited time with the club.Despite the rough start, Volpe went 2-for-4 with a double in the RailRiders’ 11-3 loss.He’s hitting .304 (7-for-23) in five games, adding one homer and two RBIs....