Aaron Boone isn't worried about Austin Wells.
That's right, the Yankees catcher is in a slump.
Yes, that's the most games he's ever played in a single season.
However, the team's manager believes he will be back before the start of the postseason.
“He missed some pitches, but that comes with the ups and downs of the season for hitters,” Boone said Wednesday before the Yankees' 9-7 loss to the Orioles in the Bronx. “Sometimes you can hit a pitch that you normally would and it goes foul, but it's nothing to be too concerned about.”
Wells has had a tough September. He went hitless for four at-bats on Wednesday and is batting .123/.194/.215 with a .409 OPS.
The player has eight hits this month and has three hits in his last 38 at-bats with 11 strikeouts.
Boone doesn't think Wells' heavy workload is a factor in his struggles.
He was given leave.
Still, he played in 112 games, the most of his professional career.
“I don't think so. I'm feeling pretty good,” Wells said when asked about the aforementioned workload. “It's just baseball. You have your ups and downs. The ball will fall when it needs to, hopefully. I'm feeling good. I feel like I'm seeing the ball pretty well. It's just a matter of swinging at the right pitches and not trying to do too much.”
It's been an overall great season for the rookie catcher, who was a Rookie of the Year candidate until his recent slump.
He gave the Yankees a power hitter in the middle of their lineup, protected Aaron Judge and performed better than expected defensively.
The Yankees are now hoping the 25-year-old catcher can bounce back in October and be a difference-maker.
If they clinch the division title soon, Wells may be able to get some more rest, as their next big game isn't until the AL Division Series opener on Oct. 5.
“We're going to use him regularly, maybe get an extra day or something,” Boone said, “but if we can lock down a win, we'll have a couple of extra days.” [to rest]”… I'm not too worried. I think physically I'm in pretty good shape.”
