Yankees No. 1 prospect Deivi Garcia believes he’s ready for majors

The Yankees have 11 games remaining before rosters expand to 40-men on September 1. With that, No. 1 prospect Deivi Garcia believes he is ready to help the big league team down the stretch, even if it is out of the bullpen.

On Tuesday night, the Yankees begin a nine-game West Coast road swing that will take them to Oakland, Los Angeles (to play the Dodgers) and finally Seattle.

After splitting their recent four-game homestand versus the Indians, the Yanks still boast the best record in the majors at 83-43 (.659 winning percentage) and sit 9.5 games atop the Rays in the AL East.

With 36 games remaining on the regular-season schedule, it’s paramount that the Bombers stay ahead of the Houston Astros (79-46) as the American League’s top team — for home-field advantage’s sake.

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And though it’s tough to put a number on the amount of victories that the Yanks need to take back with them to the Bronx, when they return on August 30 to face the A’s — going 6-3 is attainable.

During that time, the front office will make its final arrangements for the 15 men to be added to the active roster. Though the clubhouse will be a bit cramped, able-bodied reinforcements that can supplement some of the everyday guys during the final push will be a welcome sight.

One specific player that many hope to get a glimpse of is Yankees No. 1 prospect, right-hander Deivi Garcia.

Although the 20-year-old has yet to be added to the 40-man roster, the team has until 11:59 PM on August 31 to do so. Naturally, that means a subsequent DFA.

However, Garcia is the player every club wanted from the Yankees before the trade deadline — and general manager refused to part with.

Despite struggling in his first few outings at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre following his mid-July promotion from Double-A Trenton, Garcia has settled down over his last three appearances.

In 13.1 innings, Garcia has scattered four runs on seven hits. Out of the bullpen on Saturday, Garcia went five frames and struck out seven without allowing a hit.

Though he did walk five, Garcia is confident in his ability to get the job done when called upon, even if it is out of the big league bullpen. Through a translator, Garcia told Mark Fischer of the New York Post:

"“I’m confident that I could do it,” Garcia said."

While it remains to be seen if Garcia gets the opportunity to pitch in his fourth different level of professional ball in 2019, scouts agree that if not now, Garcia will soon be the difference-maker the Yankees need in their rotation.

"“What’s not to like?” a scout said. “He’s young with incredible poise. Pitches with a four-pitch mix [mid-90s-mph fastball, power curveball, improving changeup and slider], can throw all pitches over the plate. Doesn’t look 20 in his mannerisms. He is impressive to watch.”"