Yankees’ Ryan Yarbrough Thriving in New Rotation Role

NEW YORK, NY — Ryan Yarbrough, a left-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees, has proven to be a valuable asset in the team’s rotation. Since joining the rotation, Yarbrough has made five starts and has posted an impressive 2.08 ERA, striking out 24 batters over 26 innings.

Yarbrough, often noted by manager Aaron Boone as a “throwback,” has impressed teammates with his pitch diversity and ability to challenge hitters. “It’s a lot of fun [catching him],” catcher Austin Wells said on Friday. “He has a way of filling the zone and still managing to strike out hitters that others struggle against.”

Part of Yarbrough’s success comes from an improved changeup, developed in collaboration with former Yankees minor league pitching coach Graham Johnson. This adjustment was made during spring training with the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing Yarbrough to refine this key pitch before signing with the Yankees just days before the season began.

“We know Graham really well,” pitching coach Matt Blake noted. “Yarbs is open to adjustments in his pitching, which is crucial for success.” Yarbrough drew upon previous work with Johnson, leading to a subtle shift in his changeup technique, resulting in enhanced performance.

Currently, Yarbrough has incorporated 137 changeups, making up 20.6 percent of his pitch count. Batters struggle against it, managing only a .167 batting average. Yarbrough commented on this improvement, saying, “It’s just getting a little more depth to it, a little bit more bite.”

In addition to the changeup, Yarbrough uses a variety of pitches to disrupt hitters, including a four-seam fastball and a sinker. DJ LeMahieu, another teammate, praised Yarbrough’s unique pitching style, stating, “He’s got the different angle… All his pitches feel like they get on you.”

As Yarbrough prepares for an upcoming game against the Boston Red Sox, he aims to maintain his current form and continue his strong contributions to the Yankees’ pitching staff.