Loaisiga cruises in 2019 debut vs. Rays

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – Jonathan Loáisiga made his first Spring Training start of 2019 a breeze. Manager Aaron Boone even referred to it as “ho-hum.”

The Yankees’ No. 2 prospect and No. 66 in baseball according to MLB Pipeline barely broke a sweat during his two-inning stint on Sunday during the Yankees’ 8-5 win against Tampa Bay. He looked more like a seasoned veteran than a young talent hoping to win a spot on the big league roster.

The right-hander needed just 25 pitches (17 strikes) to complete his impressive spring debut. He struck out two, walked one and did not allow a hit.

“It wasn’t a lot of pitches, but I felt really good out there today,” Loaisiga said through an interpreter.

Efficiency was key to starting spring camp on the right foot.

“I felt like I was getting ahead and attacking the hitters,” Loaisiga said. “I was finishing my pitches, which is something I’ve been working on with [pitching coach] Larry [Rothschild] in this camp, making sure I can finish my breaking pitches and locate my fastball.”

With five veteran starters already on the Yankees' staff, Loaisiga's goal this spring is to continue to learn and improve, stay healthy and let the chips fall where they may.

“It’s no secret that we have established arms and an established set of starters, but to me it’s about doing my job and focusing on what we’re trying to do in camp,” he said.

Boone indicated that the highly regarded prospect would get a long look this spring and have the opportunity to find a place on the Yankees’ staff. Loaisiga's arrival could be sooner rather than later if he continues to have the same kind of command throughout the spring.

“I thought he did great today," Boone said. “Obviously, Lo burst on the scene and gave us some good innings last year. He’s going to be important for us this year.

“He’s going to have an opportunity at some point. When he was ahead in the count he was able to put guys away. He was real easy with his delivery.”

Loaisiga pitched to a 2-0 record and 5.11 ERA last season, his first in the Major Leagues. The 24-year-old Nicaraguan saw action in nine games, starting four. In 24 2/3 innings of work, he struck out 33 and walked 12.

Moving quickly through the ranks last season, from Rookie ball to Double-A, Loaisiga was a combined 6-1 with a 2.89 ERA in 14 starts. He struck out 67 batters in 56 innings, walking eight.