The Yankees just sent 2 players down to the minors

As the New York Yankees’ run atop the American League East (with an 81% chance of finishing 1st, per Polymarket) continues, the organization has just made two big, difficult decisions.

As the Bronx Bombers try to figure out the future of the catching position, JC Escarra is on the way back to the team’s Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders. Escarra has served as the backup catcher this season, but both he and primary catcher Austin Wells have struggled offensively.

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The setbacks at the plate (and with both players being left-handed batters) have pushed the Yankees to try Ali Sanchez, a right-handed hitter who signed a minor league deal in the offseason.

After seemingly being sent down in favor of Sanchez on June 5th, Austin Wells came out with an injury. Wells went to IL hours later and Escarra returned (presumably before he could even make it to Scranton). Wells is now backand the Hal-Steinbrenner-owned team resumes its plan to give Sanchez a proper run behind the plate.

Left: JC Escarra, #25 of the New York Yankees, runs during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on May 21, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) Right: Jake Bird, #59 of the New York Yankees, pitches during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on May 20, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

But that wasn’t the only change. Jake Bird, the reliever acquired from the Colorado Rockies at the 2025 trade deadline, is also headed to Triple-A. The pitcher has shown promise during some outings, but has also struggled with points. He has a 4.88 ERA from the starting lineup.

Starting pitcher Elmer Rodríguez returns to the major league roster for a spot start in the rotation.

Current New York Yankees Polymarket Odds

Even with the two shakeups, the Yankees’ season-long odds haven’t changed too much. Polymarket notes that the team is still favored to win the AL East, although the Tampa Bay Rays still have a 14% chance of surpassing them by the end of the year.

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Polymarket also believe they are the favorites to advance over all other American League teams in the playoffs (34%). However, they are second favorite to win the World Series (16%). The reigning champions, the National League’s Los Angeles Dodgers, have a 29% chance of winning it all again — which would mark a three-peat.

A bunch of the team’s matches are also underway Polymarket to place bets on. Because of Saturday’s loss and the surprise Rodríguez start, they have only a 52% chance to win against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

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