3 Yankees Prospects Who Should Be Called up by September
By Ryan Flores
Despite the endless injuries that have plagued the New York Yankees, they have an AL-best 57-31 record, thanks to multiple players stepping up in the absence of Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and plenty of other stars. While the Yankees are in a great position to continue winning throughout the year, the last thing they want is to have any injuries down the stretch to their rotation or their bullpen arms, which could lead to some prospects getting called up. With that said, here are three prospects the Yankees should call up by September.
1. Deivi Garcia
The Yankees have had some issues with injuries to their starting rotation, as well as a bullpen that has struggled beyond their top arms. Garcia would be an intriguing option for the Yankees to add to their team this summer, as he has exhibited advanced command down in the zone for a 20-year-old, and has a great curveball and a plus fastball. The Yanks could consider adding Garcia to be the sixth man in the rotation, or as a middle relief pitcher, both of which would be fine options for the budding star. The team could be concerned with service time with Garcia, but if he continues to flourish, they shouldn't hesitate to let him prove himself in the Bronx.
2. Michael King
King was on pace to join the Yankees this season before going down with a stress reaction in his elbow in March. In 2018, King was absolutely lights out, posting a 1.79 ERA with 152 strikeouts in 161.1 innings of work across three minor league levels. He's working on a rehab assignment right now, but he most certainly cannot be ruled out of a Bronx debut sometime in late August or by September. King would make for an interesting multi-inning relief pitcher, especially with strong command of his plus fastball and slider.
3. Garrett Whitlock
Like Garcia, Whitlock could also be an intriguing sixth man in the rotation, or relief pitcher for the Yankees sometime this summer. Hitters have a difficult time tracking Whitlock's repertoire thanks to his massive 6-5 frame, which allows him to throw at an unusual angle. On the year, Whitlock has posted a 3.07 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 70.1 innings pitched at Double-A, which could land him a promotion to either Triple-A or the majors very soon. He would be a very solid multi-inning reliever for the Bronx Bombers, which could save their primary relief arms down the stretch. Think an improved Chance Adams.