PHILADELPHIA – Catchers are taught that their most important work appears outside the box score, responsible for guiding pitchers and controlling the running game. Austin Wells found some comfort there, but he has never stopped believing in his bat.
Wells launched the longest home run of his career, an opposite-field blast that traveled a Statcast-projected 430 feet, and Jasson Domínguez also went deep in the Yankees’ 3-1 victory over the Phillies on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.
The victory was tinged by concern for All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger, who appeared to injure his right hamstring on an eighth-inning double.
With the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline approaching, the Yankees are said to be in the market for an upgrade at catcher, plus bullpen help. It could be difficult for many players to block that out, but manager Aaron Boone said he believes Wells has been able to handle the noise.
“I’m sure in a lot of ways, it weighs on you when you’re capable of more offensively,” Boone said. “But especially at that position, you’ve got to be able to separate. And he’s done a good job of that.”
Ryan Weathers struck out seven over 5 2/3 innings, scattering six hits and one walk while limiting the Phils to one run. Trea Turner was hit by a pitch, Kyle Schwarber doubled and Bryce Harper lifted a sacrifice fly in the first inning, but Weathers settled in, completing at least five innings for just the second time in his past five starts.
Bellinger laced a tiebreaking hit in the sixth inning, a sharp single to center field. Domínguez lifted a solo homer in the seventh off José Alvarado, just Domínguez’s second homer off a lefty this year. Bellinger exited the game after the top of the eighth inning, replaced by Max Schuemann in left field.