James Kaprielian Sidelined with Elbow Inflammation

The Yankees placed their top pitching prospect, James Kaprielian, on the minor league disabled list Monday with elbow inflammation. Ranked as New York’s fourth overall prospect by MLB.com, Baseball Prospectus and Baseball America, Kaprielian was the organization’s first round pick in the 2015 amateur draft, 16th overall. He was the team’s highest draft pick since 1993.

Kaprielian has exceeded all expectations since joining the Yankees. Of particular note, his fastball velocity has reportedly been sitting in the 97-99 mph range, a massive jump from the 88-92 mph offering from his college days at UCLA.

If that increase proves sustainable, Kaprielian’s ceiling may be much higher than many previously thought. Pair that with three average to plus secondary offerings (curveball, slider and changeup) and the big righthander has the makings of a fearsome arsenal. He has been completely dominant for High-A Tampa in his first three starts this season, striking out 22 in 18 innings of work, while allowing just three walks and three earned runs.

This news isn’t just disappointing because of Kaprielian’s top prospect status. Prior to this injury, it appeared there was a reasonable chance that he would be able to provide a boost to New York’s major league rotation later in the season. One of Kaprielian’s most attractive qualities as a prospect is that he is a polished college pitcher who was projected to need very little minor league seasoning.

The Yankees were very aggressive with promoting Luis Severino through the system last season, and he began 2015 just one level higher than Kaprielian is now. Kaprielian’s extensive college experience could allow him to rise even faster. In fact Severino is less than two weeks older than Kap.

Of course, this is all probably a moot point now because of the injury. Elbow inflammation is a scary injury for a pitcher, because all too often it is a precursor to the dreaded Tommy John surgery. Yankee farmhands have been dropping like flies with elbow issues in the past month. Nick Rumbelow, Branden Pinder, Domingo German, and Ty Hensley have all opted to go under the knife just since the end of spring training.

Even if surgery is ultimately not required for Kaprielian, the team will treat him cautiously for at least the remainder of the season. After undergoing an MRI Monday, team doctors advised a period of rest and a throwing program. As of now, there is no timetable for his return.