Where Does Jacob Lindgren Fit In The Yankees Plans For 2015?

To say that the Yankees have a lot of lefty relievers right now is a bit of an understatement. Andrew Miller, Justin Wilson and Chasen Shreve are all on the 40-man roster and all could be in the bullpen April 6. You also have swingman Jose DePaula on the 40-man roster. Where does that leave Jacob Lindgren? 

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The man known as the “Strikeout Factory” was supposed to be in the Bronx by the end of last season. He only ended up going from Rookie Ball to AA Trenton last season. He pitched in 25 minor league innings and struck out an insane 48 batters. However, at AA he gave up six runs and walked nine in 11.2 innings. To me, that indicates he may not be ready quite yet or he just wore down from pitching in college and the pros last season.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Lindgren is at MLB camp this Spring. It also wouldn’t surprise me if he pitches in the majors at some point in 2015. It would surprise me if it was early on in the season.

Lindgren isn’t on the 40-man roster and they don’t have to put him on right away. He can start the season in AA or AAA even and work on his game before being unleashed down the stretch of the season. The Yankees are going to need the bullpen this season because of all the question marks surrounding the rotation at this time.

You won’t have to wait long to see the strikeout factory. I think he’s in the organization’s plans for 2015, because they can use one of the other lefties as a possible trade chip down the road. Keep on eye on Lindgren throughout the 2015 season.