Most of the New York Yankees potential success this upcoming season depends on the durability of the pitching staff.
How will Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon perform following their respective surgeries? Can Ryan Weathers and Cam Schlittler handle a full-season workload?
Closer David Bednar and flamethrowing slinger Camilo Doval will be relied upon to get the most important outs in tight contests, but they may have some help from a youngster down the road.
Two of the Yankees’ top three prospects are pitchers, and both of them have shown flashes of excellence in spring training. ESPN’s Jeff Passan provided insight on when he thinks fans can expect one of them in the big leagues.
Yankees’ No. 2 prospect could make debut by September or earlier
Right-hander Carlos Lagrange is turning heads in Yankees camp thanks to his power fastball that touches 103 mph. Some in the organization may believe he is ready for the Major Leagues on Opening Day.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if … Carlos Lagrange is pitching meaningful innings for the Yankees by September — if not sooner. There’s plenty to like about the 22-year-old,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote Friday. “He’s 6-foot-7. His fastball sits at 101 mph and tops out a couple of ticks higher. He is the epitome of the modern power arm, something the Yankees do well at developing.”
Having an arm like Lagrange’s could change the dynamic of the bullpen come postseason time for manager Aaron Boone. The 22-year-old has allowed just one earned run and four hits with nine strikeouts in 9.2 innings this spring.
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