The New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone encountered a positive conundrum when catcher Jose Trevino was activated from IL earlier this month following recovery from hip injury. He had two catchers, Trevino and rookie minor league prospect Austin Wells capable of thriving into everyday role.
Austin Wells wasn’t part of the New York Yankees major league plan until Kyle Higashioka was traded to San Diego Padres in the off-season. However, Wells pounced on his opportunity to stamp his authority as a regular major leaguer. Having said that, skipper Aaron Boone apparently resolved the conundrum as he disclosed a new plan to adjust both the catcher’s playing time.
Aaron Boone To Split Jose Trevino-Austin Wells In Lefty-Righty Combination
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently shared his strategy for handling the catcher position as the team approaches the final stretch of the season. Jose Trevino initially started the season as an everyday catcher, with Wells being adjusted to the backup role, and rightly so, owing to his inexperience. However, after Trevino landed on IL with a hip injury, Wells moved into an everyday role and thrived offensively as well as defensively. Hence, when Trevino returned from IL, skipper Boone was hesitant to shift Wells back to the backup role. Having said that, to address the conundrums, Aaron Boone has devised a strategic plan to ensure that both the catchers receive adequate playing time.
Aaron Boone recently told the media that Jose Trevino and Austin Wells would be adjusted into the righty-lefty combination. This means while Jose will catch against left-handed pitchers, Wells will face right-handed starters. According to this plan, Wells will receive relatively more playing time as most pitchers in the league are right-handers. Not only that, the manager revealed that he had a conversation with both the catchers, who mutually agreed to get on board with this new strategy. Overall, this platoon strategy allows the Yankees to tailor their lineup based on matchups, optimizing the strengths of both catchers. It also provides a way to ease Wells into the major league environment without overwhelming him while still allowing Trevino a significant role. The balance between Trevino’s defensive expertise and Wells’ offensive potential could be key for the Yanks as they push for a playoff spot.
Yankees Veteran Hits Another Slump After Minor Resurgence
The six RBI night from New York Yankees veteran third baseman DJ LeMahieu was a smokescreen as he slumped brutally following a resurgence that lasted only a week. In the recent 9-5 loss versus the Guardians, LeMahieu went 0-for-5 and is not hitting .189 with a .512 OPS. However, Aaron Boone will continue to back him.
“It’s been rough, no question about it,” Aaron Boone acknowledged DJ LeMahieu’s struggles on the plate. However, the Yankees skipper also sees the behind-the-scenes grind. He revealed that DJ is sweating it out to get his mechanics right and be a contributor again. Hence, until the veteran finds his groove back, the New York Yankees will be required to grind with him.
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