Yerry De Los Santos Shines Bright in Yankees’ Spring Training
Spring training for the New York Yankees has been marred by a series of unfortunate injuries to key pitchers, including Jake Cousins, Jonathan Loaisiga, Scott Effross, JT Brubaker, Luis Gil, and prospect Chase Hampton. These setbacks have opened up opportunities for other players to step up and make their mark, with one such player being Yerry De Los Santos.
Rising Star in the Making
Yerry De Los Santos, who previously pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022 and 2023, has been turning heads in the Yankees’ training camp. Despite a rocky start to his Major League career, De Los Santos showed promise with strong advanced and underlying stats in his second season with the Pirates. The Yankees had high hopes for him in 2024, but he struggled initially, posting a 5.79 ERA in his first 27 appearances.
A Resilient Comeback
De Los Santos refused to be deterred by his early setbacks and worked closely with pitching coach Gerardo Casadiego to refine his skills. His dedication and hard work paid off, catching the attention of manager Aaron Boone, who praised his progress. This dedication translated into impressive performances in the Grapefruit League games, including a standout outing against the Houston Astros.
Impressive Performance
In his second appearance of the exhibition season, De Los Santos showcased his talent by delivering 1.2 scoreless innings with a remarkable 126 proStuff+. His arsenal of pitches, including a devastating sinker, changeup, and slider mix, kept the Astros’ batters at bay. With a 20% whiff rate and 0.0% barrel rate, De Los Santos demonstrated his ability to dominate on the mound.
A Strong Case for the Roster
De Los Santos’ continued success in spring training has bolstered his chances of securing a spot on the Yankees’ opening day roster as a reliable middle reliever. With two scoreless appearances and two strikeouts under his belt, he has proven his readiness to contribute at the Major League level. The coaching staff is closely monitoring his progress and is impressed by his performance on the field.
Yerry De Los Santos’ journey from adversity to triumph serves as a testament to his resilience and determination. As he vies for a permanent place in the Yankees’ bullpen, his impressive displays in spring training are setting the stage for a promising season ahead.
