# Yankees' Austin Wells Heat Up in October

> Austin Wells' bat heats up as Yankees prepare for ALDS.
- Title: Yankees' Austin Wells Heat Up in October · Mlb | Shortify
- Summary: Austin Wells' bat heats up as Yankees prepare for ALDS. Austin Wells' offensive surge and defensive excellence make him a key October spark for the Yankees.
- Keywords: austin wells, yankees, alds, mlb, catcher, offensive surge, defensive excellence, postseason, sports, Yankees', Austin, Wells
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/austin-wells-bat-is-heating-up-at-great-time-for-yankees
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: austin wells, yankees, alds, mlb, catcher, offensive surge, defensive excellence, postseason, sports
## Yankees face platoon dilemma
Before the Yankees swept the Red Sox in the American League Wild Card Series, manager Aaron Boone faced a platoon dilemma with left-handed pitching.
## Wells' lefty bat heats up
Austin Wells posted a .436 OPS against lefties in 99 plate appearances, a stark contrast to his career .188/.254/.324 slash against left-handers.
## Boone's platoon strategy
Manager Aaron Boone protected lefties Luis García Jr., Ryan McMahon, Austin Wells, Trent Grisham, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. from same-side pitching in the regular season.
## Wells' postseason impact
Wells drove a 102.2 mph RBI single off Payton Tolle's 92.5 mph sinker in Game 1, finishing 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored.
## Wells' injury recovery
Wells returned from a June 6 cervical injury to hit .166 with four homers and seven RBIs before his second half surge with a 124 wRC+.
## Wells' swing improvements
Wells improved his barrel rate from 6.9% to 8.3% post-injury, hitting 10 of 14 home runs after returning from the injured list.
## Wells' defensive excellence
Wells ranks sixth in overturns vs. expected with a 63% success rate, becoming a key defensive asset for the Yankees' postseason run.
## Key takeaway

Austin Wells' offensive surge and defensive excellence make him a key October spark for the Yankees.