Yankees’ MiLB Breaking News: Banuelos to DL

Yankees’ pitching prospect Manny Banuelos. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY SPORTS

The Manny Banuelos saga continues. The 23-year-old pitching prospect who has dealt with injuries for the last two seasons, has hit the disabled list once again. Matt Kardos broke the news earlier today that Banuelos was heading to the 7-day DL due to blisters.

Banuelos has been rehabbing after two lost seasons from Tommy John surgery. He has been on a very strict innings limit thus far this season, not being allowed to exceed three innings in a game yet. Banuelos began the season at Tampa, and looked to be regaining the form that made him the prize of the Yankees’ eye when they signed him at just 17-years-old in 2008. After five starts registering a 2.84 ERA and a 14 K/ 2 BB ratio over 12.2 innings, Banuelos was quickly promoted to Trenton, where he again ran into some trouble. Still on an innings limit, Banuelos was scratched from a start in mid-May due to arm fatigue. Despite the brief scare, he was able to avoid the DL and continue. Banuelos currently sits at 0-1 for the Thunder, with 3.57 ERA and 21 strikeouts over 22.2 innings pitched.

Banuelos was scratched from Monday’s start with blisters and will be heading to the 7-day DL, which means he may miss a second start. While it is still discouraging that Banuelos can’t seem to stay on the field, it is very promising that the scratch was from blisters and not shoulder or elbow-related issues. The road back for Banuelos seems to get longer every day. Yankees’ fans must remain patient, and hope that by the year’s end, we will get a glimpse of what the future holds for the once-elite pitching prospect.