Yankees move rookie into cleanup spot to replace struggling veteran

The New York Yankees are giving rookie Austin Wells his chance to shine in the middle of the order.

After continued struggles have plagued Alex Verdugo in the cleanup spot, the Yankees decided to make a switch in order to give Aaron Judge some protection.

Catcher Austin Wells will hit fourth in the order behind Ben Rice, Juan Soto and Judge at the top of the lineup.

Verdugo has spent the majority of his games in the cleanup spot this season with 208 plate appearances. However, it hasn't produced many results.

The veteran left fielder is hitting .222 with six home runs and 30 RBI with a .626 OPS.

Meanwhile, Wells been strong since the start of June. In 25 games during that span, Wells is hitting .232 with five home runs, a .835 OPS and a 139 wRC+.

The Yankees need to find someone in the middle of the order to protect Judge so we'll see if Wells can be that player.