New York Yankees News: Jacob Lindgren To Be Called Up On Sunday

After much anticipation over his power arm and electric stuff, the New York Yankees second round pick and left-handed flamethrower Jacob Lindgren will officially be called up to the big leagues on Sunday, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Lindgren, who is just 21-years-old, will attempt to come in and help a reeling bullpen that was recently one of the most effective ones in the game. Coming off Saturday afternoon’s game, in which the pitching staff allowed 15 runs, nine of which were tagged to the bullpen, the team needs fresh arms.

The 55th overall pick in last year’s draft, Lindgren’s hard fastball and ability to pitch multiple innings if necessary will make him a welcome addition to the bullpen. Lindgren impressed the team last year after he was drafted, pitching well across every level of the minor leagues, eventually making it to Triple-A.

This season at Triple-A, Lindgren has a 1.23 ERA across 22 frames for the team. Upon his promotion, Lindgren will become the Yankees fourth left-handed pitcher in the bullpen, joined by the likes of Andrew Miller, Chasen Shreve, and Justin Wilson, as noted by Mike Axisa of RiverAveBlues.

Aside from the shaky bullpen, the Yankees entire pitching staff has hit on hard times recently. Right-handed starter Chase Whitley recently went on the DL and subsequently diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. He underwent Tommy John surgery this week and will likely not return until the May of next year, at the earliest.

Mini hot streaks for both CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda wore off as well as both pitchers have been hit hard recently, including Sabathia on Saturday, as he failed to finish three innings and gave up six runs.

When you look at the Yankees bullpen, their relievers who are not named Dellin Betanes or Miller are pitching to an ERA over four. Miller also suffered his first blow of the season this week, surrendering a walk-off home run to Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman in our nation’s capital.

Therefore, Lindgren being called up can be seen as a desperation move as the bullpen desperately needs some effective arms that can stop the damage. An official roster move has not been announced, but to accommodate Lindgren’s spot on the 25-man roster, right-hander Branden Pinder, who pitched in Saturday’s blowout, will likely be sent back down to Triple-A.

Alternatively, Esmil Rogers might be designated for assignment after giving up seven runs yesterday.

[Image by Reinhold Matay-USA Today Sports]