Getting Closer to the Majors

A few years ago, Manny Banuelos was one of the Yankees top minor league pitching prospects. I recall seeing him in spring training of 2011, and thinking "he's ready." I wasn't the only one who thought so. The native of Mexico won the James P. Dawson Award as the most impressive rookie in Yankee camp.
But it didn't quite work out as planned. After some impressive minor league work in 2011, he got hurt a year later, and underwent Tommy John surgery. One of the "Killer B's," he was part of a group of young arms that also included Dellin Betances (now a key member of the Yankee bullpen), Andrew Brackman (who failed the make the majors and is now out of baseball) and Jeremy Bleich (pitching well this year and just promoted to AAA). The Yankees are being cautious with Banelos. He went only three innings Friday night -- but they were impressive ones. He struck out three and allowed just one hit. Between a 93 mph fastball and off-speed pitches that kept the Rock Cats off-stride, he left a strong and positive impression.

A lefty in Yankee Stadium? That's been a winning formula, whether you're thinking Whitey Ford, Ron Guidry or Andy Pettitte. And Banuelos, clearly being brought along slowly after missing 2013 due to arm surgery, might on track to be fitted for pinstripes sooner than later.

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