Yankees catcher Austin Wells is not in the lineup for Friday night’s game against the Rays in Tampa Bay due to a bout of food poisoning.
Wells, who placed third in the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year voting and was the team’s Opening Day catcher, has a .182 batting average with three home runs and eight RBIs through 17 games. Although sidelined, he remains one of only two catchers available at Steinbrenner Field and could step in if absolutely necessary.
Wells said he felt fine when he went to bed at the team hotel but woke up Friday morning with symptoms.
In his absence, manager Aaron Boone will once again start rookie J.C. Escarra, who also played Thursday and went 1-for-4 in the Yankees’ 6–3 win over Tampa Bay. Escarra is hitting .188 with one RBI in five games this season.
Austin Wells
Carlos Rodón gets the start for New York on Friday, facing off against Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen.
Interestingly, Cody Bellinger also missed a game on April 8 against Detroit due to food poisoning. Boone noted that Bellinger felt better as that game progressed and was available to pinch-hit, though he ultimately didn’t play.
If Wells improves, his presence could be key off the bench—he’s one of just two left-handed hitters available to Boone, along with Trent Grisham.
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