The New York Yankees have placed catcher Jose Trevino on the 10-day injured list after he sustained a left quad strain during Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. In response, the Yankees have called up Carlos Narvaez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Trevino was heading back to New York for further medical evaluation to assess the severity of the injury. With Trevino sidelined, Austin Wells, who has been seeing increased playing time, is expected to take on a more significant role behind the plate.
Boone also clarified that rookie Ben Rice, primarily a catcher, would continue to play first base, stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo. The manager expressed confidence in Narvaez’s capabilities despite his lack of major league experience.
“For right now, [Trevino’s injury] doesn’t change my plans at all,” Boone said of Rice, who came up through the minors as a catcher, staying at first base. “And that’s partly because we have a ton of confidence in [Narvaez].”
This situation underscores the Yankees’ depth at the catching position, a factor that could prove vital as the team adjusts to Trevino’s absence and navigates the rest of the season.
Boone confident about Narvaez’s Yankees role
Yankees manager lauded Carlos Narvaez‘s defensive prowess and potential at the plate, expressing confidence in his ability to handle the catching duties. Boone also reiterated that Ben Rice will continue to play first base, despite his catching background.
“He has a great presence, great skills behind the plate [and has] got some power offensively,’’ Boone said. “So when I put him in there in the lineup, I’ll do it with a lot of confidence. We have no plans to alter what Ben is doing. He obviously can catch, but we need him at first base.”
The Yankees appreciate Narvaez’s pitch-framing skills, though his recent offensive stats at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre have been modest. Narvaez, who signed as an international free agent from Venezuela in 2015, is poised to make his major league debut.
Austin Wells had already been seeing increased playing time before Jose Trevino’s injury, starting nine of the last 15 games. Boone noted that with more right-handed pitchers expected after the All-Star break, Wells is likely to continue receiving significant playing time.
While Boone acknowledged the evolving nature of the situation, he emphasized his readiness to use Narvaez as needed. This strategy highlights the Yankees’ approach to managing their catching depth amid injuries and matchup considerations.
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