The New York Yankees reinstated catcher Austin Wells to the active roster on Sunday following a two-week absence due to cervical headaches. To accommodate Wells’ return, the team optioned left-handed-hitting catcher J.C. Escarra to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Wells started behind the plate and batted eighth in Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium, going 0-for-2 before being replaced by a pinch hitter in the sixth inning.

Wells, 26, who had struggled offensively with a .163 batting average, four home runs, and a .527 OPS, expressed confidence after the game. He had entered the injured list on June 6 amid a 1-for-18 slump but reported no further headaches since the initial episode. Manager Aaron Boone described Wells’ time on the injured list as a potential reset that could help the catcher return to form offensively and contribute consistently.

During a recent three-game rehab stint at Triple-A, Wells posted two home runs and two walks in 12 at-bats, focusing more on mechanics than results. He also debuted a new catcher’s helmet resembling a hockey goalie mask.

The roster move preserves flexibility at the catcher position, as right-handed hitter Ali Sánchez remains on the major league roster. Sánchez, a 29-year-old five-year major league veteran, has hit .294 with two RBIs since joining the Yankees this month. Boone praised Sánchez’s ability to handle the pitching staff and his quick adjustment to the team’s environment. Escarra, who struggled offensively this season with a .188 average and a .510 OPS over 85 at-bats, is expected to benefit from more regular playing time in Triple-A. However, Boone noted Sánchez will likely be placed on the paternity list soon, suggesting Escarra’s return to the majors is imminent.

In pitching news, Gerrit Cole agreed to the Yankees’ decision to push his next start back by a day amid a grueling stretch of 16 consecutive games without an off-day. Originally scheduled to start Sunday on regular rest against the Reds, Cole’s turn was deferred to Monday night in Detroit, with top prospect Elmer Rodríguez making the start Sunday instead. Cole, who returned last month after recovering from Tommy John surgery, said the adjustment was a “process-oriented decision.” Boone confirmed the change was aimed at maintaining pitcher health while managing a tight schedule, explaining the team does not intend to move to a six-man rotation despite the heavy workload. Rodríguez was optioned back to Triple-A following the Sunday game. Cole holds a 2-1 record and a 2.57 ERA in five starts this season.

Meanwhile, center fielder Trent Grisham is showing encouraging progress following a right hamstring strain sustained on June 13. Boone reported that Grisham is “moving well” and noted the improvement was somewhat surprising given the nature of the injury. Grisham has been hitting .232 with eight home runs and a .747 OPS so far this season while on the injured list.