Call to the pen
Fansided

Oakland Athletics Jesus Luzardo heads up prospects that could impact 2018 playoff teams in 2019

By Benjamin Chase

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 15: Starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo #9 of the Oakland Athletics and the World Team works the first inning against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 15: Starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo #9 of the Oakland Athletics and the World Team works the first inning against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Oakland Athletics
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: Stephen Tarpley #71 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 08, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees have been rumored with plenty of free agents this offseason, but as the team is currently constructed, there are no left-handed arms in the bullpen, which could give Stephen Tarpley a very good chance to make an impact.

Tarpley was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 3rd round of the 2013 draft out of community college in Arizona, and the lefty is on his third organization after being traded first to the Pirates and then to the Yankees.

The Yankees moved Tarpley to the bullpen in 2017 due to injury issues, and he was incredible in the role, posting a 0.88 ERA over 41 innings between high-A and AA. Last season in AA and AAA, he produced a 1.94 ERA over 69 2/3 innings, with a 0.96 WHIP and a 26/71 BB/K ratio before putting together a 3.00 ERA over 9 major league innings, striking out 13.

Tarpley’s mid-90s fastball paired with his hard upper-80s slider from the left side is a tough combination, but when you also mix in his average to above-average curveball, he can be effective against hitters from both sides and even go multiple innings. That could be a huge asset in the Bronx in 2019.

Now onto those teams who fell short in the LCS…

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