New York Yankees minor league pitcher Denny Larrondo has tested positive for the coronavirus.
HIALEAH,FL-Sources have confirmed to Pelota Cubana that New York Yankees righty Denny Larrondo has tested positive for the coronavirus, making him the first player in professional baseball to test positive.
The pitcher, as of right now, has been put in quarantine by the team and is receiving treatment for the virus in Tampa.
Larrondo, who is about 6’2, signed with the Yankees in 2018 during the international signing period and was in the top 30 prospects of the franchise’s farm system.
The 17 year old Cuban has a fastball that has topped out at 94 mph. Larrondo is also known to throw a curve between 71-76 mph which he combines with a slider and changeup as his offspeed pitches.
Although he is known for his good control and athleticism he struggled last year with the Gulf Coast Yankees (RK) compiling a record of 2-5 and an earned run average of 5.28.
When he signed with Yankees two years ago for $550,000 he was the 43rd rated prospect in international free agency.
Larrondo was a member of the Cuban National Sub 15 team, during his time with the squad he an ERA of 3.82 and 39 strikeouts in 35.1 innings.
I reached out to Larrondo via social media and he reassured me that he’s doing fine.
“I’m doing well, they’ve been giving a lot of hot liquids and plenty of water. Everything is going to be just fine.”
The young hurler is an avid fan of Aroldis Chapman, “I admire Aroldis Chapman because of the way he throws the ball with such velocity and due to his work ethic. I also admire Freddy Asiel Álvarez because I was compared to him in Cuba.”
Denny Larrondo looks to be on the road to a speedy recovery and probably will not be the last in professional baseball to test positive for the virus.