Yankees spring surprise
Yankees pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange turned heads with four scoreless innings against the Red Sox in spring training, strengthening his big‑league roster case. (mlb.com) Meanwhile Gerrit Cole made his return to the mound in that matchup, drawing focus to New York’s rotation depth. (pinstripealley.com)
Carlos Lagrange has extended his spring scoreless streak to 11 innings and lowered his Grapefruit League ERA to 0.66, with 13 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings this spring. (mlb.com) The 6-foot-7, 248-pound righty averaged 99.6 mph on his fastball Wednesday, uncorked nine triple-digit heaters, and generated 11 swings-and-misses while getting all four of his strikeouts on secondary pitches. (mlb.com) MLB Pipeline lists Lagrange as New York’s No. 2 prospect and No. 79 overall, and his 2025 minor-league season included 120 innings with 168 strikeouts and a 3.53 ERA. (mlb.com) (milb.com) Lagrange entered camp as a non‑roster invitee, and analysts say his spring authority is forcing the Yankees to weigh a faster path to the big leagues even though he’s not on the 40‑man roster. (milb.com) (pinstripesnation.com) Gerrit Cole’s live-game work consisted of a 10‑pitch, seven‑strike inning Wednesday — six fastballs that averaged 97.1 mph and topped out at 98.7 mph — as he continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery. (mlb.com) Manager Aaron Boone outlined a likely Opening Day rotation that does not include Cole while he finishes rehab, naming Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers and Luis Gil as early-season starters and saying a May return for Cole remains in play. (mlb.com)
