Inside The Pinstripes

Yankees Place Catcher on Paternity List

A New York Yankees catcher is missing the team's last game against the Cincinnati Reds for the birth of his first child.
Erin Shapland|
Jun 15, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees catcher J.C. Escarra (25) heads out to warmup before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Jun 15, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees catcher J.C. Escarra (25) heads out to warmup before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

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New York Yankees

Catcher J.C. Escarra will be absent from the New York Yankees' third game against the Cincinnati Reds tonight, to attend the birth of his first child.

According to MLB's Bryan Hoch, Escarra was expected to play tonight until his wife went into labor, and the team is unable to get another player to Cincinnati to sub for him with so little time before the game.

Escarra has been a success at catcher this season, giving a particularly solid performance against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, providing support to Clarke Schmidt through seven hitless innings and hitting a home run himself. Yankees manager Aaron Boone gave him a shoutout in a post-game interview.

“It was a great day for J.C.,” he said. “He’s been terrific all season for us behind the plate and we know what kind of hitter he is.” 

Escarra has had a long road to the majors. He was first drafted in 2013 by the Mets but elected to go to college instead, playing catcher and first baseman for Florida International University. He was signed by the Baltimore Orioles in 2017 but never saw major league action and was released by the team in 2022.

The 30-year-old joined the Yankees on January 11, 2024 and made the Yankees Opening Day roster this season. He made his MLB debut in March against the Milwaukee Brewers, and has two runs this season with nine RBIs and a .246 batting average. He will be missed in tonight's game, but his community is excited for him.

Chris Kirschner of the Athletic posited that the couple may name their baby JC Escarra III.

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Erin Shapland
ERIN SHAPLAND

Erin covers the New York Yankees for On SI, reporting on all aspects of the championship chase that comes with a storied franchise. A fan of all storylines, who's looking to bring the latest news and updates to one of professional sports' greatest fanbases.

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