Yankees Optimistic About James Kaprielian’s Rehab

There has been no word on the status of Yankees top pitching prospect James Kaprielian since he was placed on the 7-day disabled list with elbow inflammation three weeks ago. At the time, the team’s doctors recommended a period of rest followed by a throwing program, but the Yankees declined to give a specific timetable for his return.

Related Story: James Kaprielian Sidelined with Elbow Inflammation

This reluctance raised fears among fans that Kaprielian might be headed for Tommy John surgery at some point, as vague elbow issues tend to lead in that direction for young pitchers. With fellow Yankees’ farmhands Ty Hensley, Domingo German, Nick Rumbelow, and Branden Pinder all lost for the season to TJ, it certainly wouldn’t be surprising or unprecedented.

Yesterday brought a sliver of hope for New York however, as owner Hal Steinbrenner gave the first official estimate of Kap’s return. Speaking to reporters outside the site of the annual Owners Meetings in New York, Steinbrenner disclosed that Kaprielian will begin throwing in approximately two weeks and should be ready to return to game action in four to six weeks. That would put Kap back on the mound for Tampa sometime before the end of June.

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While setbacks are always possible, that is encouraging news for a team short on high level pitching depth. Before the injury, Kaprielian was expected to rise quickly through the Yankees’ system this year. A polished college pitcher taken 16th overall in the 2015 draft, Kaprielian dominated High-A batters through his first three starts, striking out 22 and walking just three in his first 18 innings of work.

It was even speculated that the 22-year-old could reach the majors by season’s end if everything went to plan. The elbow injury likely throws a wrench in that idea, but getting Kaprielian healthy and mowing down overmatched opponents in the lower minors would be enough at this point.