Remember Jacob Lindgren? You know, the Yankees’ second-round draft pick in 2014? The guy with the 1.74 ERA and a gaudy 14.8 strikeouts per nine over 34 appearances in two minor league seasons? Well, he’s healthy now and ready to earn a spot in the Yankees’ vaunted bullpen.
Lindgren underwent surgery last summer to remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow, the same surgery Masahiro Tanaka had in October. After rehabbing all winter, Lindgren is considered 100 percent healthy and ready to roll for Spring Training. “We’re looking forward to seeing him compete for a spot in the ‘pen,” said Yankees’ vice president of player development Gary Denbo, according to Bryan Hoch of yankees.com.
Lindgren skyrocketed through the Yankees’ system after being drafted, and made his debut last season. He pitched to a 5.14 ERA over seven innings, but he did strikeout eight thanks in part to a nasty slider. The Yankees probably have three open spots in the bullpen which come before the deadly trio of Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman. Right-handers would be ideal to occupy two of those spots, but a good spring could secure a job for the lefty Lindgren.
With all the talk surrounding the Yankees’ three-headed bullpen monster, Lindgren’s fallen off the radar. He has the chance to be an x-factor in the bridge that leads to the big guns.
