Yankees prospect Michael King likely out until after All-Star break

As it turns out, the injury bug that has decimated the Yankees major league roster this season doesn’t discriminate, as No. 12 overall prospect Michael King has suffered a setback in his rehab from a stress reaction in his right elbow.

Yankees farmhand Michael King was on a straight shot for the Bronx.

Following an incredible 2018, where the now 23-year-old eclipsed three levels of minor league ball (Tampa to Scranton) — King pitched to a combined record of 11-5 with a 1.79 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, .202 BAA and 152:29 K:BB ratio in 161.1 innings.

Suffice to say; the Yanks have high hopes for the player they acquired from the Marlins in early 2018 for first baseman Garrett Cooper and pitcher Caleb Smith.

However, during an early Spring Training bullpen session, King felt pain in his right elbow. He then further aggravated the injury during a weightlifting session. An MRI soon revealed a stress reaction in his elbow, which quickly put the brakes on his advancement.

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Though King would begin a throwing program on March 16, which started with tosses from 90 feet, the 2018 Yankees Minor League Pitcher of the Year was expected to be back on the hill by May 1.

Unfortunately, having suffered the same injury while attending Boston College, King and the Yanks are aware of what they’re up against.

Despite this bump in the road, Kind told Conor Foley of the Times Tribune that he doesn’t expect the injury to keep him out indefinitely, as some within the organization worry.

"“I’m progressing well in rehab, just had a little setback and will be back as soon as I can,” King said in a text message Friday. “Trust me, I’m pushing for the fastest return possible.”"

Many, including us here at Yanks Go Yard, were looking forward to watching King compete for a spot in the rotation at some point this season.

And although 2019 is far from over, one would think that the litany of injuries the Yanks have suffered to their 25-man roster thus far, would give pause to rushing back a promising young pitcher coming off a superb campaign.

With his impeccable two-seam fastball that sits between 92-95 mph — that can run or dip to either side of the plate, resulting in a 1.7 groundout/airout ratio and 8.5 K/9, should King resume throwing in July with a renewed emphasis on refining his slider/changeup combo, there’s still a real chance he can help the Yankees down the stretch.

The No. 12 prospect in the organization is believed to have the highest ceiling of any Yankee minor leaguer pitcher.

As it turns out, the injury bug that has decimated the Yankees major league roster this season doesn’t discriminate, as No. 12 overall prospect Michael King has suffered a setback in his rehab from a stress reaction in his right elbow.

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