Austin Wells Belts Spring’s First Homer Before WBC Exit, Sparks Missed Challenge in Yankees Tune-Up
Austin Wells crushed his first home run of the spring in his final game before leaving for the World Baseball Classic, delivering a no-doubter off Blue Jays minor-leaguer Nate Garkow and driving in two runs. The blast came amid a crowded spring schedule that has seen multiple players heading to the WBC and a string of roster and pitching developments across camp.
Austin Wells’ homer, the ABS flip and a lost challenge
The long ball from Austin Wells stood out not only for being his first of the spring but for arriving in what was described as his last appearance before departing for the international tournament. The homer came off a Blue Jays minor league righty and was noted as a clear drive. Later in the same game, there was a review moment involving a 1-1 pitch to Davis Schneider that was flipped from a ball to a strike by the automated ball-strike system.
Fernando Cruz, who is also headed to the WBC, battled command issues in his inning and issued a pair of walks that loaded the bases, though he escaped the jam with a double play. As Cruz began to tap his cap to signal for a challenge, Wells attempted to shake him off, indicating he believed the pitch was out of the strike zone. The catcher’s attempt to dissuade the challenge came too late, and the Yankees subsequently lost the challenge.
Spring training context: WBC departures and pitching matchups
The game against the Blue Jays came as part of a busy spring schedule with less than a week remaining before the World Baseball Classic opens. Both the Yankees and the Blue Jays are sending multiple participants to the WBC, influencing lineups and available personnel for remaining exhibition matchups. Paul Blackburn was set to make his second spring appearance for the Yankees as he seeks a role in the bullpen, while Will Warren was scheduled to make his second start of the spring when the Yankees visit the Phillies in Clearwater, Florida.
Roster shuffles were also in evidence on the Blue Jays side of the matchup: a starter who had been listed at third base was scratched about an hour before first pitch, with Jonathan Ornelas taking the spot. That scratched start would likely have been the player’s final outing before joining the Dominican Republic in the WBC. Separately, José Berríos has been unable to be insured for the WBC and will miss the tournament while he continues to rehab a right bicep; his absence represents one of several notable availability questions coming out of camp.
Other lineup notes from the matchup included a representative batting order featuring a powerful top three and a ninth-place hitter who was expected to be left off the Opening Day roster. The game took place at George M. Steinbrenner Field as clubs continue final preparations ahead of the regular season and the international tournament.
With departures imminent for several players, the remaining spring schedule will be watched closely for final tune-ups, injury clarity and how clubs adjust to WBC absences. Details and rosters may continue to evolve as teams finalize their plans for both the Classic and the early weeks of the season.
