Yankees Stephen Tarpley propels himself to 25-man roster spot

As voted on by Yankees beat reporters, 26-year-old left-handed reliever Stephen Tarpley was named the team’s best rookie during Spring Training.

Yankees relief pitcher Stephen Tarpley first popped up on our radar last September when he was promoted from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and proceeded to appear in 10 games (nine innings) while allowing six hits, three runs and 13 strikeouts.

Though the third round pick by the Orioles back in 2013 did walk six batters during the final month of the regular season, his calm demeanor and ability to challenge hitters from the first pitch impressed the Yanks enough to carry him on the Postseason roster.

Struggling mightily in his lone appearance against the Red Sox in the ALDS (three runs on four hits in one inning of work) only motivated the USC product to enter Spring Training with an even more dedicated approach.

And boy did Tarpley proceed to get the job done. Across 10 contests (11.1 innings — one start), the man acquired from the Pirates in August 2016 for Ivan Nova, was almost perfect, not allowing a run while striking out eight and walking just one.

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Tarpley, the only Yankee this spring to toss 10+ scoreless innings was rightfully awarded the 2019 James P. Dawson Award as the best rookie in camp.

Recent recipients include Miguel Andujar last season, Gleyber Torres in 2017 and Masahiro Tanaka in 2014.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke glowingly about Tarpley, telling Kristie Ackert of the NY Daily News that Tarpley first opened his eyes last year during the middle part of the minor league season.

“He came up and showed us something and I think this spring I know the numbers were great, but I feel like he’s got a chance to really help us short term, but long term as well. He’s a guy who has a chance to be another guy who can get both hands out, potentially who can be more than a one-inning guy. He came into camp and performed, vying for a spot… I am very happy for him.”

With Dellin Betances out for at least the first two weeks of the season due to an impingement in his right shoulder, Tarpley will look to continue his hot streak and keep his spot in the bullpen even after Betances’ return.