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MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help Yankees in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 12: Jonathan Loaisiga #67 of the New York Yankees pitches the ball in the first inning during the spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Steinbrenner Field on March 12, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 12: Jonathan Loaisiga #67 of the New York Yankees pitches the ball in the first inning during the spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Steinbrenner Field on March 12, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 06: Jonathan Loaisiga #67 of the New York Yankees pitches in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Steinbrenner Field on March 06, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 06: Jonathan Loaisiga #67 of the New York Yankees pitches in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Steinbrenner Field on March 06, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

1. Jonathan Loaisiga

Loaisiga checks in at No. 2 on MLB.com’s list of Yankees prospects and it’s easy to see why. The 24-year-old Nicaraguan flashes multiple plus pitches when he’s at his best. It’s easy to imagine him carving out a meaningful role for the Yankees this season.

We already know he’s going to come up to the majors as soon as CC Sabathia is done serving his five game suspension that rolled over from last season. It’s very likely Loaisiga will make at least one start in Sabathia’s absence.

The only problem with projecting him to stick with the Yankees all season is his injury history. He’s really struggled to stay healthy for a full season during his entire career. That’s a big reason why his arm strength isn’t built up enough to be a starter for a full season. The Yankees front office is trying really hard to protect Loaisiga while also getting major league value out of him this season.

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Despite the organizaton’s justified conservatism, Loaisiga is going to get several opportunities to stake his claim to a rotation spot this year. The Yankees hope they don’t have to rely on him, but at the very least, he looks to be the guy most likely to take Sabathia’s spot in the rotation in 2020. Loaisiga has big time talent if he can harness it and stay healthy.

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