Overview
- Manager Aaron Boone said Saturday that Austin Wells will likely be in the Yankees’ lineup on Sunday pending final pregame checks.
- The club optioned J.C. Escarra to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to clear a roster spot and retain right-handed backup Ali Sánchez on the big-league roster.
- Wells completed a brief Triple-A rehab that included catching a full game and hitting two home runs, evidence the team used to assess his readiness.
- Wells has been on the 10-day injured list since June 6 for cervical headaches and severe neck stiffness, and the Yankees say a possible link to a May 19 backswing incident remains unconfirmed.
- Despite strong pitch-framing and game-calling value, Wells has struggled at the plate this season with a low batting line, which is why New York plans to split catching duties and monitor his workload closely.