What's Happening?
The New York Yankees have commenced their full-squad workouts, marking the beginning of live batting practice sessions. During these sessions, Yankees captain Aaron Judge faced off against Carlos Lagrange, the team's No. 2 pitching prospect. Lagrange, known for his impressive fastball, struck out Judge with a pitch clocked at 102.6 mph. This performance highlights Lagrange's potential as he is currently ranked as the No. 79 overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline. Last season, Lagrange recorded 168 strikeouts across Single-A and Double-A, maintaining a 3.22 ERA in Double-A. Despite the Yankees' depth in starting pitchers, Lagrange's performance in Triple-A could influence his role in the team this season.
Why It's Important?
Carlos Lagrange's performance is
significant for the Yankees as they evaluate their pitching options for the upcoming season. With established starters like Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt, the Yankees have a strong rotation. However, Lagrange's potential debut could add depth to their bullpen, providing flexibility in managing the pitching staff. His ability to strike out a player of Aaron Judge's caliber underscores his readiness for major league competition. This development is crucial for the Yankees as they aim to maintain a competitive edge in the league, especially with the potential for injuries or performance fluctuations among their current starters.
What's Next?
Carlos Lagrange's next steps involve continuing his development in Triple-A, where his performance will be closely monitored by the Yankees' management. If he continues to impress, he could be called up to the major league roster, potentially contributing to the bullpen. The Yankees will also assess their current roster's health and performance, which could influence Lagrange's role. As the season progresses, the team may need to make strategic decisions regarding their pitching lineup, and Lagrange's readiness could play a pivotal role in those decisions.
