Tampa, FL., — On Friday, as Michael King came to throw during the training camp at Steinbrenner Field, there was no one behind the plate. Austin Wells, who is a top Yankees prospect, and is in his first big league camp, didn’t catch and wasn’t one of the five receivers who took at-bats on day two of pitchers and catchers spring training.
During Aaron Boone’s time with the media, it was revealed that Austin Wells has been shut down because his ribs are hurt. He told:
“We’ll evaluate him every few days to see where he’s at, but right now he’s a no-baseball-activity in the last two days.”
Austin Wells, however, played down his rib problem in the Yankees clubhouse a few minutes later.
“The first day here warming up I felt a little discomfort there,” Wells said. “I had some tests done and it’s just a bone bruise. So it’s a day to day thing. I’m hoping by Monday I’m ready to go, but we’ll just have to see. It’s a sensitive area, so we’ll see what happens.”
The 23-year-old played well for High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset in 2022. During 92 games, he hit. Austin Wells hit .277, had 20 home runs, 65 RBI, 16 stolen bases in 16 tries, and an OPS of .897. However, as third-ranking Yankees catcher Ben Rortvedt is going to Triple-A and Josh Breaux as his back up, Wells may have to stay at Somerset.
But if 2020 All-Star Jose Trevino or 2022 All-Star Kyle Higashioka gets hurt, Austin Wells could start the season in Triple-A. Even so, the left-handed power hitter seems to be on the fast track to the big leagues because he has hit at every level and his fielding is getting better.
If Austin Wells is back to baseball activities by mid-next week, he should be ready to play in the Grapefruit League. The Yankees’ first spring game is against the Phillies on Saturday, February 25 in Tampa.
Austin Wells is excited to use his time in camp to learn new things, especially from Trevino, who won a Gold Glove last year, and Higashioka, who is also known as a good defender.
“Being around these guys has been awesome just for the first two or three days,” Wells said. “I’m looking forward to that as time goes on here.”
People think the Yankees might try Austin Wells out in left field or at first base. Since his bat has gotten better at every level after he was drafted into professional baseball. Before that, the player had a very good show for years when he was in school and college teams. A new position might help Austin Wells get to the big leagues faster. However, he is adamant to be a catcher.
“I haven’t been informed yet,” Wells told when asked about his chances. “You guys might know before me.”
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