Yankees’ Aaron Boone hasn’t lost faith in Austin Wells

Austin Wells, the Yankees catcher, is currently experiencing a slump in performance, with a batting average of .123 and an OPS of .409 as of September. Despite this, Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic about Wells' ability to regain his form before the postseason begins. Boone noted that Wells has missed some pitches, which is typical for hitters during a long season, but he does not find the situation overly concerning. Wells has also been given days off to manage his workload, which Boone does not believe is a contributing factor to his struggles. Wells himself expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that he feels good and is seeing the ball well, emphasizing the importance of making the right swings. This season has been significant for Wells, as he was a candidate for Rookie of the Year prior to his recent downturn. He has provided the Yankees with a powerful presence in the lineup, particularly in supporting star player Aaron Judge, and has exceeded expectations defensively. As the Yankees approach the postseason, Boone indicated that if the team clinches the division soon, Wells could benefit from additional rest before the ALDS opener on October 5. Boone plans to keep Wells in the lineup regularly but may consider giving him extra days off to ensure he is physically prepared for the playoffs. Overall, Boone's confidence in Wells remains strong, and he believes the catcher will bounce back in time for the critical games ahead. The Yankees are currently focused on securing their playoff position, and Wells' performance will be crucial in the coming weeks. With the right adjustments and support, both Boone and Wells are hopeful that the catcher can return to his earlier form and contribute significantly to the team's success in the postseason.