The Yankees are moving one of their hardest throwers from the rotation to the bullpen at Triple-A, the latest sign they could use a power arm in their relief corps sooner rather than later.
Carlos Lagrange, 23, has averaged 99.1 mph with his fastball this season at Triple-A and touched 103.1 mph. Those are rare velocities for a starting pitcher at that level—he owns 29 of the fastest pitches by a starter in the International League this year and 44 of the top 50.
The title of the job changes quickly; the explanation usually takes a little longer to catch up.
A Potential Power Arm
"He's definitely got everyone's attention," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of Lagrange in spring training. "I love where he's at. I would not be surprised if he is impacting us early, middle, later part of the season."
The triple-digit heater comes with a slider and changeup. Control has been the lingering question—Lagrange has walked 11.5% of batters faced, above the 10.3% Triple-A average for starters. His strikeout rate sits at 29.0%, well above the 21.1% league norm for starting pitchers. In 11 starts and 49 innings, he's posted a 4.41 ERA.