Here’s your latest New York Yankees news of the day, featured by Empire Sports Media!
Zach Braziller | New York Post: When TJ Sikkema started his 2020 year, he likely didn’t picture it himself working as a driver for DoorDash in Iowa. In fact, he believed he would be in the first year of his minor-league career. With minor leaguers being cut across the country, the Yankees’ 17th best prospect who was taken number 38 overall in last year’s MLB draft, took to the streets to earn his keep. His 0.84 ERA over 10.2 innings with Staten Island last year set the tone for his future, and he had a lot to prove going into the 2020 campaign, which was inevitably canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
When the virus halted MLB operations on March 13, Sikkema returned to Iowa to spend time with his family. As most of the Yankee players have done, he has worked on his own to remain in shape and in baseball form. However, the young pitcher will have to wait until 2021 to enjoy live action once again.
“She kind of got us into it,†Sikkema said. “Amanda, one night, we were talking over dinner and she was like, ‘Maybe we should try that, T.J. — it’s really fun.’â€
Scott Thompson | SNY: Yankees set at number 28 overall in the 2020 MLB draft, which will be conducted on Wednesday, June 10. Of course, the goal is to land a high upside player that could eventually become a starter on the top team. There’s one thing about the draft, and that goes for every sports league around the world, nothing is ever guaranteed, but let’s take a look at the top 5 first-round picks by the Yankees, according to SNY.
At number five is Joba Chamberlain, who was drafted 41 overall in 2006. At 6 foot two and 230 pounds, Chamberlin was a flame-throwing pitcher who inevitably got his first shot in the big leagues the very next year. In 19 games, he posted a 0.3 8 ERA over 24 innings pitched. He earned 34 strikeouts, quickly cementing himself in a relief role, where he posted a 2.60 ERA.
Check out the rest of the list in the link above.