New York Yankees: Candidates for fifth starter role
By David Hill
Jonathan Loaisiga
Jonathan Loaisiga took an odd path to the New York Yankees, but his minor league track record makes him an interesting option.
Originally signed as a free agent by the San Francisco Giants in 2012, he performed well for their Dominican Summer League team. However, he then missed the next two years, leading to his release. Signed by the Yankees in 2016, Loaisiga underwent Tommy John surgery after making just one appearance, further delaying his career.
When he was finally able to pitch in 2017, Loaisiga showed that he could potentially dominate. He rose from the rookie leagues all the way to the Yankees by the end of the 2018 campaign, his ability completely undeniable. Although he was back in the minors in 2019, his track record showed that he could be a future option for New York.
That future may come this year. He seemingly has nothing left to prove in the minors, having posted a 2.89 ERA and a 1.038 WHiP, striking out 164 batters with just 33 walks in 177.1 innings. However, that command has not been there in his time in the majors, leading to a pedestrian 4.79 ERA and a 1.509 WHiP. Over his 56.1 major league innings, he has struck out 70 batters, but also issued 28 walks.
If Jonathan Loaisiga can find his command at the major league level, he could be a solid option for the New York Yankees rotation. He will get that chance in Spring Training.