Carlos Lagrange Shines in Yankees Live Batting Practice

Major League Debut

TAMPA – On a sunny Monday afternoon, Carlos Lagrange, one of the New York Yankees’ most promising pitching prospects, took the mound at Steinbrenner Field. Overcome with excitement, he faced off against none other than Aaron Judge, the reigning American League MVP. “Damn, it’s Aaron Judge,” thought Lagrange as he prepared for the challenge ahead.

A Thrilling Showdown

During the live batting practice session, Judge showcased his power by hitting a blistering 99.3 mph fastball into the stands for a home run. However, Lagrange quickly proved his worth by striking out Judge on a staggering 102.6 mph fastball, igniting the crowd’s excitement on the first official day of full-squad workouts.

“He’s going to be special,” Judge commented. “You can look up at the radar and see 103 mph—the fastball he threw by me—but I think it’s also just a presence he has on the mound. That’s what you need.”

Performance Highlights

• Speed: Lagrange consistently delivered fastballs reaching triple digits, demonstrating his potential as a future ace.
• Variety: Manager Aaron Boone praised Lagrange’s “special” changeup and sharp sweeper pitch.
• Confidence: Lagrange faced a tough lineup which included Giancarlo Stanton, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham without hesitation.

Preparation and Work Ethic

At just 22 years old, Lagrange is focused on improving his game. He finished last season at Double-A Somerset, making 15 starts with a commendable 3.22 ERA. Reflecting on his experience in big league camp, Lagrange expressed his determination:

“When I see those guys, I feel really good because I’m here [in big league camp] with them. But I try to do the same thing: throw in my zone and go through my pitches.”

His preparation during the offseason has clearly paid off. Lagrange stated, “I know 102 is really hard, but I work out hard in the offseason. When you do a really good job in the offseason, that’s the result.”

Future Possibilities

As the Yankees evaluate their roster, Lagrange is a strong candidate to either remain a starting pitcher or transition into a relief role, where his high-velocity pitching could be even more impactful.

Key Factors for Future Success

• Health and Consistency: Addressing previous challenges related to injury and command will be crucial for his advancement in the league.
• Coaching Support: With the guidance of Boone and other coaches, Lagrange will continue to refine his skills.

Managerial Praise

Boone was impressed with Lagrange’s debut performance, noting:

“I thought he was excellent… [He] filled up the zone, held his stuff, and most importantly held his strike-throwing.”

While it’s still early in the spring training season, Lagrange’s impressive showing is a positive sign for the Yankees and their fans.

Conclusion

Carlos Lagrange is turning heads with his spectacular performance during spring training, showing the potential to be a key pitcher for the New York Yankees. With his fastball hitting up to 103 mph and a commitment to hard work, Lagrange is poised for a successful season ahead.

For More Information

• Spring Training Coverage: Stay updated on all Yankees spring training news by following the New York Yankees official website.
• Pitching Techniques: Explore pitching drills and techniques to enhance performance with resources from MLB.com.

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