The New York Yankees have activated catcher Austin Wells from the injured list before Sunday's matchup with the Cincinnati Reds. Wells, 26, is in the starting lineup and batting eighth against Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns. Additionally, the Yankees recalled pitcher Elmer Rodrguez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to start on Sunday. That bumps Gerrit Coles next start to Monday versus the Detroit Tigers. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the move was made to give the starting rotation an extra day of rest. Rodrguez, 22, started three games for the Yankees earlier this season, compiling a 4.15 ERA with 6 strikeouts and 9 walks in 13 innings. He also allowed 15 hits. In 10 Triple-A starts, Rodrguez recorded a 3.00 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 51 innings.Wells has been on the IL since June 6 with cervical headaches. Wells told reporters before he began his minor-league rehab assignment that he'll wear a new catcher's helmet more like a hockey-style goaltender's mask. "It felt a little sturdier," Wells said, via MLB.coms Bryan Hoch. "Whatever was going on this year, it wasn't really working. I'll try everything."The headaches are believed to be at least partially responsible for Wells poor start to the 2026 season. Before going on the IL, he had a slash average of .166/.278/.255 with 4 home runs and 7 RBI in 169 appearances. Last season, Wells batted .219/.275/.436 with 21 homers, 22 doubles and 71 RBI. Cervical headaches or cervicogenic headaches result from head pain caused by a cervical spine injury such as a slipped disk or arthritis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In Wells absence, J.C. Escarra was the Yankees primary catcher. In 32 games, he compiled a triple-slash line of .188/.239/.271 with five doubles and 7 RBI. He was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday to clear a spot for Wells on the Yankees roster. Ali Snchez will remain the Yankees other catcher, providing a right-handed bat with Wells. Hes batted .313/.353/.375 in eight games, starting five of them.