Yoendrys Gomes made quite the impression in his MLB debut for the New York Yankees. In a season that won’t include postseason baseball for the team, Gomes is one of eight prospects who received an opportunity at the big-league level. Since the Yankees gave up on the season in late August, they have been calling up prospects to see regular action, and Gomes is the latest to get his chance.
Gomes, a Venezuelan right-hander, debuted against the Toronto Blue Jays and delivered an impressive performance. Despite the Yankees losing 6-0, Gomes showcased his talent by retiring six of eight hitters and pitching two scoreless innings, with four strikeouts.
Rookie catcher Austin Wells was all praises for Gomes, highlighting his ability to throw strikes and get ahead of batters. Gomes, ranked as the organization’s 26th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline, was a surprise call-up from Double-A Somerset. The 23-year-old pitcher has faced injury setbacks throughout his career, but his talent and resilience are evident.
Gomes missed the first two months of this season due to a shoulder issue but returned to Somerset and posted a 3.58 ERA in 19 starts. In 65.1 innings, he recorded 78 strikeouts and 37 walks. His performance caught the attention of Wells, who believes Gomes has the potential to become a big-league starter.
During his debut, Gomes showcased his diverse repertoire of pitches, using five different ones throughout the game. His fastball, with a velocity range of 94-96 mph, proved to be his most effective pitch, delivering all four of his strikeouts.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was impressed by Gomes’ execution, particularly with his fastball at the top of the strike zone. It was a proud moment for Gomes, who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to pitch in the majors. Despite facing numerous challenges, including injuries, he never gave up and worked hard to achieve his dream.
Gomes is one of several Yankees prospects who have received a taste of the majors in the late stages of this season. While most of them will likely start next season in the minors, this experience has provided valuable insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Interacting with both young players and veterans has contributed to their development process.
The Yankees have been impressed with the potential displayed by their prospects and expect more to make their way onto the 40-man roster in the future. Although this hasn’t been a typical year for the team, the opportunity to gain real experience in the majors will benefit these young players moving forward.
Overall, Yoendrys Gomes’ impressive MLB debut has garnered attention and raised excitement about his future in the majors. As the Yankees wrap up their season, they can take comfort in knowing that their prospects have gained valuable experience and are poised for success in the seasons to come.
