In a strange twist for the New York Yankees, two players have been sidelined by food poisoning in the past 15 days—the latest being catcher Austin Wells.
Known for his playful personality and growing presence on social media, Austin Wells has recently embraced the role of breakfast burrito critic on Instagram. But this week, the tables turned: instead of rating his latest meal, he’s missing games after falling ill—marking the second time in just over a week that a Yankees starter has been forced out of the lineup by a sudden and violent stomach bug.
Although he said the burritos weren’t the problem, some fans started asking whether Austin Wells had eaten wings near the stadium or something similar instead
Austin Wells was scratched from Thursday’s lineup in what manager Aaron Boone initially described as a scheduled off day. But on Friday, Boone confirmed the real reason: Wells had fallen ill with food poisoning and would miss the series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
This marks the second food-related absence for the Yankees in just over a week. Last weekend, outfielder Cody Bellinger missed a game in Detroit after reportedly getting sick from a late-night meal of hotel chicken wings. While Bellinger’s case had fans raising eyebrows, Austin Wells’ illness has stirred a mixture of concern and conspiracy among Yankees faithful—especially given his recent hobby.
Austin Wells, 24, has leaned into his role as the Yankees’ breakfast burrito connoisseur, posting reviews and rankings of various breakfast items on his social media accounts. The timing of his illness, coming just after his latest culinary critique, has some jokingly wondering whether the burrito might have finally gotten its revenge.
JC Escarra steps in
With Wells sidelined, JC Escarra made his second straight start behind the plate on Friday, catching Carlos Rodon for the second game in a row. The duo worked well together in their previous outing—until a misread curveball ended up in the wrong spot, giving Jung Hoo Lee of the opposing team a little too much to work with. This time, the Yankees are hoping for a cleaner outing and better luck.
The Yankees have yet to confirm how long Wells will be out, but signs point to a short-term absence. Boone hasn’t indicated the need for a roster move, suggesting the catcher could return as early as the weekend.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. remains in lineup amid possible discipline
Friday’s lineup also features Jazz Chisholm Jr., who made headlines the night before for a different kind of trouble. Chisholm was ejected during Thursday’s game and drew attention after posting an explicit tweet from the dugout while the game was still in progress. Though the post was quickly deleted, MLB is reportedly reviewing the incident and could issue a fine or suspension.
If Jazz Chisholm is sidelined due to league discipline, the Yankees will be even more shorthanded. That makes Austin Wells’ return all the more important, particularly with the team trying to gain momentum early in the season.
Coincidence or conspiracy?
Some fans have pointed out an odd detail: Austin Wells fell ill while playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ spring training facility in Tampa—also the only “road” ballpark he might hesitate to critique publicly due to team ties. While the idea of a cover-up or a self-imposed burrito ban is clearly tongue-in-cheek, it’s not stopping Yankees fans from speculating.
As always, Yankees injuries and illnesses seem to follow a strange pattern, and this latest one adds yet another wrinkle to an already unusual start to the season. Hopefully, Austin Wells will return to both the field and his Instagram feed soon—this time with a clean bill of health and a five-star review of his next breakfast burrito.
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