On Friday evening, the New York Yankees opened up a series with the Cincinnati Reds in the Bronx.
They won by a score of 5-0.
Ben Rice led the team with two hits (including one home run) and three RBIs.
A-Rod Makes Statement About Struggling Yankees Player
GettyAustin Wells #28 of the New York Yankees in action during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium on May 09, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
UPDATE: Austin Wells is expected to return on Sunday (via Bryan Hoch of MLB.com).
The Yankees continue to play without starting catcher Austin Wells (he has been out since June 5).
Before the injury, Wells had been struggling.
He is batting .166 with 24 hits, four home runs, seven RBIs and 15 runs.
@eyyankees wrote (on June 6): “The Yankees have placed C Austin Wells on the 10-day IL with cervical headaches and have recalled J.C. Escarra from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.”
So much for that option last night.
Earlier this season, Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez made a bold statement about Wells.
His confidence should make fans hopeful.
Rodriguez (via WFAN on May 7): “Wells is a Gold Glove potential catcher who can hit .300.”
Looking At Wells
GettyAustin Wells #28 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out to end the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on July 21, 2024 in New York City.
Wells was picked in the 1st round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
He is in his fourth MLB season (all with New York).
The 26-year-old is coming off a year where he batted .219 with 21 home runs and 71 RBIs.
SNY Yankees wrote (on June 18): “Austin Wells has two home runs today with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre!”
GettyAustin Wells #28 of the New York Yankees looks on after the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Yankee Stadium on August 27, 2025 in New York City.
Wells being healthy (and productive) would give the Yankees a massive boost to their lineup.
While many fans have given up on him, Rodriguez clearly still had a lot of faith in him as of last month.
Looking At The Yankees
GettyJasson Dominguez #24 of the New York Yankees connects on a seventh inning broken bat base hit against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 2026 in New York City.
The Yankees have had a very strong start to the 2026 season.
They are at the top of the American League East with a 46-28 record in 74 games.
Following two more games with the Reds, the Yankees will head on the road to visit the Detroit Tigers on Monday night.
Alex Rodriguez Makes Bold Statement About Struggling New York Yankees Player