New York Post | Dan Martin: After missing the past couple of weeks with cervical headaches, Austin Wells is expected to be recalled for Sunday’s game. Manager Aaron Boone said he would “likely” be in the starting lineup his first game back. It’s been a lost season so far for the Yankees backstop, whose .533 OPS ranked fourth-worst among all regulars before he landed on the shelf.
In a corresponding move, the Yankees sent down J.C. Escarra, another catcher who’s struggled to get it going offensively, including while given an expanded role during Wells’ absence. That leaves the right-handed Ali Sánchez, a journeyman who has appeared in eight games since the left-handed Wells went down, to serve as his backup. Even with their catching corps at full health, the Yankees are expected to seek help at the position in advance of next month’s trade deadline.
The Athletic | Brendan Kuty: ($) After Saturday’s loss, the Yankees announced that Elmer Rodríguez would be called up to start Sunday’s series closer against Cincinnati. Gerrit Cole, who was slated to start that game, will be bumped back along with the rest of the regular rotation. The move was made to build in some extra rest during a stretch that will see the Yankees play 16 games in 16 days.
“It’s something we’ve been kicking around the last few days,” said Boone, who emphasized that the move was not due to any issue with the 35-year-old Cole. “(We) want to be pretty mindful of this as we go through the summer with a long stretch here.” Reliever Jake Bird was the odd man out, getting demoted to Triple-A to clear room on the active roster for Rodríguez.
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: The Yankees took their largest loss of the year Saturday, a 10-2 drubbing at the hands of the Reds. Will Warren, who’s been as reliable as they come all year in the rotation, allowed six runs in 5.2 innings, though four were unearned. Those runs came courtesy of an error at first by Ben Rice, who failed to secure a low but catchable throw from Anthony Volpe to help kick off a big inning. A man who’s evolved from role player to veteran leader was circumspect in his analysis. “Let’s move on and be ready to go tomorrow,” said Paul Goldschmidt. “They played better than us. They beat us today. We’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Cam Schlittler tossed six scoreless innings Friday while punching out a career-high 13, dropping his ERA to 1.71 while strengthening his case as a All-Star hopeful. “I think he should actually start the All-Star Game,” said his teammate, Jazz Chisholm Jr. While Chisholm is prone to bombast, he may be on the money here, with Boone agreeing that the phenom may be “the best pitcher in the American League right now.”
Schlittler got some love from one of the current kings of New York, a member of the champion Knicks squad. “Schlitty is the Cy Young winner hands down,” posted Josh Hart during Friday’s game. For his part, Schlittler is not putting the cart before the horse. “It’s early. I’ve got a lot to work on,” he said. “The most I can do is go out there, stay healthy and consistent, and try to win this team some games.”
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