Yankees’ catching shakeup provided spark before burning out just as quickly

CLEVELAND — The Yankees haven’t gotten much out of their catchers this postseason — because Austin Wells has seen his late-season slump extend into the playoffs. 

The rookie was part of an ALCS Game 3 lineup shakeup, replaced by Jose Trevino against Cleveland left-hander Matt Boyd. 

Trevino delivered an RBI single in the second that briefly gave the Yankees the lead but somehow got picked off first, and the Guardians swiped two bases with Trevino behind the plate. 

With the Yankees trailing by two in the eighth, Wells pinch-hit for Trevino to lead off the inning and whiffed twice in what turned into a devastating 7-5, 10-inning loss. 

Wells made a terrific pick of a Tommy Kahnle pitch in the dirt with Brayan Rocchio at the plate and pinch-hitter Will Brennan on second base with one out.

Rocchio followed with a flyout to center. 

Historically, Trevino hasn’t had much success in the playoffs — just 1-for-22 in prior postseasons — and hadn’t played since the last game of the regular season. 

Despite Wells’ lengthy offensive downturn — which includes a current 0-for-19 stretch with nine strikeouts — Boone remains high on the catcher who spent most of the second half in the cleanup spot, trying to protect Aaron Judge. 

Asked if he thought Wells needed a breather, Boone said, “Not really. I think he’s locked in. Obviously, he’s struggling a little bit, but I don’t think he’s feeling that necessarily. He’s still playing at a really high level.” 

Follow The Post’s coverage of the Yankees in the postseason:

• Guardians rally for improbable comeback to sink Yankees in Game 3 crusher
• Sherman: An unleashed Aaron Judge could put an end to Yankees’ playoff drama
• Rookie putting Yankees in lineup dilemma after another disastrous night
• Vaccaro: Anthony Rizzo bailed out Yankees in bleakest of moments

Still, the slump goes back to Wells’ last 14 games of the regular season, when he went 3-for-45 with a pair of doubles, six walks and a dozen strikeouts. 

Wells has continued to draw praise from pitchers for his defensive work, as the Yankees have pitched well throughout the postseason. 

“He’s been amazing behind the plate and going through this, I have a ton of confidence bringing him up for the right at bat in a big situation,’’ Boone said. 

As for Trevino, Boone said the veteran backstop has handled his lesser role “great” and remains an important part of the team. 

“He’s such a big part of it, whether he’s in the lineup or not,’’ Boone said of Trevino’s impact on the playoffs. 

It’s something Boone has noted since Trevino’s arrival in 2022. 

“His impact was immediate,’’ Boone said. “How prepared he is, how much confidence pitchers have in him and the role he’s played in Austin’s development.”