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Yankees pitching prospect Kaprielian making progress in return to mound

While the spring months consisted of injuries and slumps for the Yankees, summer has begun with encouraging news about the health of their top pitching prospect.

In a recent video posted to MLB.com, 22-year-old right-hander James Kaprielian is beginning to make progress from elbow inflammation that shut him down in late April, hoping to return to the mound “sooner than later.”

“It’s frustrating,” Kaprielian said. “It’s tough because I did work so hard this offseason and I think I was able to see a little piece of the results and it’s good when you’re able to see it so soon, but at the same time it’s tough that I have to sit an watch every day, especially when you want to get out there and throw the ball and you put in a lot of work and time and dedication into your craft and stuff and I just want be there and be able to support the guys around me and my team.”

The No. 16 overall pick of the 2015 draft raised eyebrows in early April, posting an ERA of 1.50 with 22 strikeouts and only three earned runs in three starts with High-A Tampa. But Kaprielian’s strong start quickly came to a halt, an injury that scared the Yankee brass.

But Kaprielian is beginning to get back on track, and is pleased with his health and mechanics.

“I felt pretty good, not going to lie,” he said. “I think my fastball’s improved a little bit. I had a good, strong offseason where I was putting some good work in and working to clean some things up in my mechanics and get stronger in the weight room. And all those things applied so when I took the mound this year in those short three outings, you could see the difference I think.”

Prior to Spring Training, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and hitting coach Larry Rothschild insinuated that Kaprielian could have been a candidate for a big league rotation spot this season, but the former UCLA Bruin will start once again at square one, with a goal to finish the year strong, regardless of the minor league level that he reaches.

“I think just finish the year strong,” said Kaprielian. “I’m not going to worry much about where I’m going. I just want to be, wherever I am, be able to pitch and give my team a chance to win every time.”

On May 19, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner told reporters that Kaprielian was expected to be back at some point in July.