The Yankees have announced that RHP Johnny Barbato has won the 2016 James P. Dawson award as outstanding rookie in Spring Training. The news didn’t stop there for the 23 year old, he was also informed that he has made the team’s roster.
In 10 relief appearances this spring, he is 0-1 with 2 saves and a 1.74 ERA across 10.1 innings pitched. He has given up 7 hits with just 1 walk and 12 strikeouts. With Bryan Mitchell going down with turf toe and a fracture in his big toe, Barbato is a much needed arm in the bull pen.
https://twitter.com/johnny_barbato/status/715378169361121284
Barbato was acquired from the Padres last winter in the Shawn Kelley trade and spent the season between Double-A and Triple-A. He pitched to a 2.67 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings between the two. With Mitchell out at least 3 months, Aroldis Chapman suspended 30 days and Andrew Miller who knows what, he will have a lot of opportunities in a middle-relief role or even set up man.
RHP @johnny_barbato receives the 2016 James. P. Dawson Award from @FeinsandNYDN. #Yankees pic.twitter.com/nOlgNEai9z
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) March 31, 2016
