The Yankees finally report to Spring Training today. With that in mind let’s take a look at 5 under the radar players heading into Tampa.
Billy Burns
Billy Burns is a non-roster invite to Spring Training this year. Billy Burns placed fifth in rookie of the year in 2015 for the Oakland A’s. That year Burns posted a .294 batting average. Since then Burns has never lived up to the season he put up that year, Burns’ last year in the majors came in 2017 with the Kansas City Royals where he played only 7 games and had just 1 hit. It’s hard to believe that someone can hit .294 in the majors by accident so keep a look out for Billy Burns to have a good spring.
Chance Adams
With this being the final year of CC Sabathia, Chance Adams may hold an important future in the Bronx. Adams had a taste of the majors last year and didn’t perform the way he had wanted. Adams posted a 7.04 ERA granted he only pitched in 3 games. Adams was the Yankees number 6 prospect heading into last year so he has always shown potential. He’s looking to bounce back this year and that all starts with Spring Training.
Stephen Tarpley
Tarpley came up to the Yanks at the tail end of last year and he certainly didn’t disappoint. Tarpley posted a 3.00 ERA in 10 games while relieving. With the Yankees bullpen being absolutely stacked eyes are not going to be on Tarpley. However, he can absolutely pitch his way back into the bullpen this year and he looks to do just that heading into Spring Training.
Jonathan Loáisiga
Jonathan Loáisiga affectionately known as “Johnny Lasagna” by fans showed promise in 2018. His numbers weren’t outstanding posting a 5.11 ERA in 9 games staring 4 of those. However, his record still managed to be 2-0 and he is the Yankees number 2 prospect,Estevan Florial being 1, coming into this season. Loáisiga would almost certainly be the guy to get a shot if one of the starters went down with an injury. Because of this, Yankees fans should keep a close eye on Johnny Lasagna.
Domingo Germán
In Domingo Germán’s first start ever he pitch 6 no-hit innings while striking out 9. Germán then went on to throw a 5.57 ERA for the rest of the year. Germán had a weird perk where his first inning was almost always atrocious, if he got out of the first inning unscathed you had a sigh of relief. With that being said, Germán has nasty stuff and can throw about a 95 mph fastball. Germán has upside and Yankee fans should look for that to shine in Spring Training.
Honorable Mentions: Tyler Wade, Danny Farquhar, Albert Abreu
Featured Images: Bryan Green/Flickr
