The way the New York Yankees have handled Carlos Lagrange in Spring Training has certainly raised some eyebrows.
New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Lagrange has been electrifying in Spring Training, most recently tossing four scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.
Lagrange allowed just two hits while walking one and striking out four, his latest impressive outing in what has been a spring full of them.
Through four exhibition appearances overall, Lagrange has surrendered one run on six hits while registering 13 strikeouts over 13.2 innings of work.
Lagrange is the top pitching prospect in the Yankees' system, and he appears to be on the fast track to the majors.
But could that come as soon as Opening Day?
New York has not yet optioned the right-hander to the minor leagues with the season opener less than a week away, which is an interesting decision, to say the least. That's especially considering Elmer Rodriguez and Ben Hess, the Yankees' next two top young arms, are now down in the minors.
Remember: New York technically has some availability in its starting rotation with both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon sidelined to start the campaign. Plus, Luis Gil and Ryan Weathers have both struggled in Spring Training.
New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Lagrange. Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.Not only that, but Cam Schlittler is not expected to be in the rotation the first go-around while he makes his way back from a back injury.
Is it possible that Lagrange could actually begin the season in the Yankees' rotation? Or maybe in the bullpen?
New York still has one or two bullpen spots up for grabs, and while I personally think it would be a colossal mistake to stick Lagrange in the pen, we have already heard Aaron Boone liken him to Dellin Betances.
More than likely, Lagrange will probably get sent down before the start of the season. It seems generally doubtful that the Yankees will place him on the 26-man roster.
But there is also no question that the fact Lagrange is still up with the team instead of being at minor-league camp should raise some eyebrows.
Perhaps New York simply wants him getting as much run against major-league hitters as possible before being optioned. That's the more probable strategy. Regardless, Lagrange appears closer to the major leagues than most imagined heading into Spring Training.
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