CLEVELAND — The Yankees haven't gotten much from their catchers this postseason — as Austin Wells has seen his late-season slump extend into the playoffs.
The rookie was part of a lineup change for Game 3 of the ALCS, replacing Jose Trevino in a matchup with Cleveland left-hander Matt Boyd.
Trevino hit an RBI single in the second inning, giving the Yankees a brief lead, but they somehow got ahead and the Guardians hit a double behind Trevino's bat.
In the 8th inning, with the Yankees trailing by two runs, Wells came on base as a pinch hitter for Trevino and struck out twice, resulting in a devastating 7-5 loss in 10 innings.
Wells took Tommy Kahnley's pitch in the dirt, hit Brayan Rocchio at the plate, and pinch hitter Will Brennan with one out and second base.
Rocchio then followed with a flyout to center field.
Historically, Trevino hasn't had much success in the playoffs, playing in just 1 of 22 games in the postseason thus far and not playing beyond the final regular season game.
Despite Wells' long offensive slump (he is now hitless in 19 at-bats with nine strikeouts), Boone is a high-flying catcher who spent most of the second half in the cleanup position trying to protect Aaron Judge. I keep it.
Asked if he thought Wells needed a break, Boone said: “Not really.” I think he's trapped. Obviously he's struggling a little bit, but I don't think he necessarily feels that way. He's still playing at a very high level.”
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Still, the slump dates back to Wells' last 14 games of the regular season, when he went 3-for-45 with two doubles, six walks and 12 strikeouts.
As the Yankees pitched well throughout the postseason, Wells continued to receive praise from pitchers for his defensive work.
“He's been great behind the plate and has been through this situation, but I have a lot of confidence in having him in right field in the big moments,” Boone said.
As for Trevino, Boone said the veteran backstop has handled his minor role “fantastically” and remains an important part of the team.
“Whether he's in the lineup or not, he plays a very important role,” Boone said of Trevino's impact on the playoffs.
This is something Coach Boone has pointed out since Trevino took over in 2022.
“His impact was immediate,” Boone said. “How prepared he is, how much confidence the pitchers have in him and the role he's played in Austin's development.”
