TAMPA — Austin Wells wasn’t the only Yankees catcher to have a good day at the plate Saturday.
Jose Trevino had five at-bats in a minor league game at the Yankees’ development complex as he prepares to make his spring training debut Sunday against Atlanta after being sidelined since the middle of last year, first with right wrist surgery that ended his 2023 season and then a calf strain suffered before the beginning of this spring training.
“It’s been a long road,” Trevino said. “It’s been a long, long road.”
With Trevino out, Wells has made the most of his opportunity.
He hit a long homer Saturday against the Twins in Fort Myers and is part of a deep group of catchers, with five on the 40-man roster.
“It’s no secret that catchers are now being built in this organization from the ground up,” Trevino said. “From guys that get drafted to guys that are in big league camp.”
It’s clear Wells is set to play a significant role on the major league roster, and Trevino called the 24-year-old “a terrific ballplayer,” but the Yankees will also rely upon Trevino, who was limited to 55 games last season.
And Trevino wasn’t especially productive when he was on the field, having been impacted by the tear in his wrist even before he was shut down.
“The guy’s an All-Star,’’ Nestor Cortes said after his outing against Minnesota. “He showed that in ’22. He was hurt, obviously, last year, but a big part of us. He’s a guy that, on the field, is really good, but off the field he brings a lot of qualities into the clubhouse. So we’re excited to see him play [Sunday]. I wish he could’ve played today. Obviously [Wells] did a great job with me, but having [Trevino] back is a big piece for us.”
More than numbers, Trevino wants to contribute with his presence.
“I think the biggest thing I bring to the table is that I’m a competitor,’’ Trevino said. “I’m just ready to join the team we’ve got right now. It’s an exciting time to be a New York Yankee.”
Trevino was especially bothered by not being able to help as last year’s team struggled in the second half and fell out of postseason contention.
“It was tougher being in New York and not playing [than rehabbing],’’ Trevino said. “I just want to help the team any way I can. To not be able to do that stung a little bit and to see us go down the route we went [was tough]. I think everybody is harping on it. We took a look in the mirror and came back to spring training ready to go.”
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