Yankees promote 100-mph pitching prospect from Red Sox to replace Elmer Rodriguez originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees are one of the best teams in baseball, despite their recent 2-7 record on a nine-game road trip.
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One glaring and scrutinized part of New York‘s roster has been its bullpen.
Closer David Bednar allowed a game-tying three-run home run to Tyrone Taylor with two outs in the ninth inning of yesterday’s loss to the New York Mets. Jake Bird, who has been optioned once already this year, has a near 5.00 ERA.
Although he should be nearly unhittable, flamethrower Camilo Doval has struggled on the mound, too.
To mix things up, the Yankees promoted hard-throwing right-hander Yovanny Cruz from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday. Young starting pitcher Elmer Rodriguez was optioned.
Cruz joined the AL East club on a minor league deal during the offseason after he elected free agency from the Boston Red Sox.
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The 26-year-old can reach over 100 mph with his fastball and posted a 3.00 ERA with 23 strikeouts and nine walks in 18 innings with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
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This move adds much-needed velocity to the Yankees’ bullpen and gives the youngster a first look at Major League bats.
Carlos Lagrange is the other flamethrower in New York’s system. The No. 4-ranked prospect in the Yankees system should have a chance to make an impact at the MLB level later this year.
