The New York Yankees’ most formidable opponent this season? Not the Red Sox, Astros, or even the Rays.
Their biggest nemesis so far this season seems to be food.
Catcher Austin Wells was out of the starting lineup Friday for the second consecutive game due to food poisoning. Wells reported feeling fine on Thursday, which was a scheduled rest day, but felt ill Friday morning. J.C. Escarra started behind the plate in his place.
Unbelievably, this is the second time a Yankees player has been sidelined by food poisoning this season.
New York Yankees Austin Wells attempts a bunt against the Pittsburgh Pirates April 6, 2025, at PNC Park.
© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Earlier this month, outfielder Cody Bellinger missed a game in Detroit with food poisoning. Bellinger said it came from room-service chicken wings at the team hotel he ordered to eat while watching the NCAA championship game. Bellinger described the experience as severe, stating he woke up at 4 a.m. with intense symptoms and has since vowed to avoid wings for years.
Wells did not go into details about his illness and said he does not know what caused it. He suggested he could come off the bench as a pinch hitter in Friday night’s game if needed.
Though he had a scorching hot spring, ironically played at the same park as Friday night’s game, Wells has had a streaky 2025 season. He’s hitting .183 with three home runs and eight RBI in 17 games.
Maybe while Yankees GM Brian Cashman is looking for trades to bolster the Yankees’ rotation or an upgraded right-handed bat for third base, he should also look into bringing in a food tester to keep the players healthy.
