James Kaprielian headed to DL with elbow inflammation

Yankees top pitching prospect James Kaprielian is headed to the disabled list with elbow inflammation, according to the Yankees. Kaprielian, 22, was seen by team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad today in New York and underwent an MRI which revealed the elbow inflammation. The Yankees say he'll be "treated conservatively" with rest and a subsequent throwing program. There's currently no timetable on when that will happen. This is obviously concerning news for the Yankees and Kaprielian, who is off to a hot start for the Tampa Yankee this year. In three starts, he's 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA, and has allowed just eight hits in 18 innings while striking out 22. Many expected the 2015 first-round pick to skyrocket through the Yankees' system, possibly making an appearance in the Bronx this year. All of that will be put on hold for the moment. It's important to note that Nathan Eovaldi had a similar diagnosis last year. He was shutdown for a month and would've returned to make a start in the playoffs if the Yankees had advanced to the ALDS. This is an injury that deals with inflammation, NOT a ligament tear. Regardless, the elbow is always a troubling thing, especially in this day and age where it seems like every pitcher under the sun needs Tommy John surgery at some point.

Here is the full announcement by the #Yankees on James Kaprielian's injury. pic.twitter.com/YEy7mYFHy8

— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) April 25, 2016