TAMPA — Austin Wells wasn’t the only Yankees catcher who had a good day at the plate Saturday.
Jose Trevino first underwent surgery on his right wrist that ended the 2023 season, and he has been sidelined since the middle of last year, but he is preparing to make his spring training debut against Atlanta on Sunday and is a member of the Yankees’ development complex. He appeared at bat in five at-bats in a minor league game played at the facility. Then, before the start of spring training, he suffered a calf strain.
“It’s been a long journey,” Trevino said. “It’s been a long, long road.”
With Trevino sidelined, Wells made the most of his opportunity.
He hit an extra-base home run Saturday against the Twins in Fort Myers and is part of a deep group of five catchers on the 40-man roster.
“It’s no secret that catchers are developed from the ground up in this organization,” Trevino said. “From players being drafted to players in major league camp.”
It’s clear that Wells will play a key role on the major league roster, with Trevino calling the 24-year-old a “great ballplayer,” but the Yankees limited Trevino to 55 games last season. It will also depend on.
And Trevino wasn’t particularly productive when he was on the field, as he was suffering the effects of a torn wrist even before he was shut out.
“He’s an All-Star,” Nestor Cortez said after the game against Minnesota. “He showed it in ’22. He obviously got injured last year, but he’s a big part of who we are. He’s a really good player on the field, but off the field there’s a lot of pressure in the clubhouse. He brings qualities, so we’re looking forward to watching him play. [Sunday]. I wish he could have played today.clearly [Wells] You did a great job with me, [Trevino] Back is a big part for us.”
More than numbers, Trevino wants to contribute with his presence.
“I think the biggest thing I bring to the table is that I’m a competitor,” Trevino said. “I’m ready to join the team I have now. It’s an exciting time to be a New York Yankee.”
Last year’s team struggled in the second half and fell out of postseason contention, so Trevino was particularly troubled by his ineffectiveness.
“It was harder being in New York and not playing.” [than rehabbing]” said Trevino. “I just want to help the team as much as I can. It hurt a little bit not to be able to do that and it hurt a little bit to see us go down the path that we went down.” [was tough]. I think everyone quibbles about it. We looked in the mirror and came back to spring training ready to go. ”
—Additional reporting by Mark W. Sanchez, Fort Myers
