In yesterday's 6-2 victory over the Pirates, the Yankees showcased some intriguing pitching performances, with Ryan Yarbrough making his first appearance in the Grapefruit League this season. Alongside him, Ben Hess, the Yankees’ 2024 first-round pick, took the mound in relief, giving fans plenty to talk about.
Ben Hess Impresses in Spring Debut
Seeing Ben Hess on the mound was a delightful surprise. The right-hander delivered three strong innings, striking out five, walking two, and allowing just one run. His arsenal of five different pitches kept the Pirates guessing, and he notched an impressive 11 whiffs on 23 swings, topping out at 95 MPH.
Hess's four-seamer displayed an unusual amount of vertical movement, especially given his low arm angle-a rare combination that sets him apart. His curveball and sweeping slider also showed significant movement, and his changeup is definitely one to watch this season.
The key for Hess is refining his command. Last season, his strike percentage hovered around 64%, and while his pitch mix is exciting, tightening his control will be crucial for his development. Adding a pitch with moderate horizontal movement, like a cutter, could help bridge the gap in his repertoire and enhance his deception on the mound.
Overall, Hess’s performance was promising, and he’s certainly a pitcher to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Ryan Yarbrough: The Yankees’ Reliable Backup
Ryan Yarbrough brought some fresh elements to his game, adding more ride to his cutter and a firmer sweeper with less lateral movement. While he might not be firing on all cylinders just yet, his crafty approach was evident against a strong Pirates lineup featuring Marcell Ozuna and Bryan Reynolds.
If Yarbrough can maintain these pitch adjustments, his cutter might complement his changeup more effectively, potentially leading to better results. Before his injury, Yarbrough was a solid league-average starter, and these tweaks could help him excel as a reliever.
Known for his unique style, Yarbrough's ability to provide competitive innings will be valuable for the Yankees, especially if they find themselves needing spot starts throughout the 2026 season.
Both Hess and Yarbrough’s performances hint at exciting possibilities for the Yankees’ pitching staff this year. Whether it’s the young potential of Hess or the seasoned craftiness of Yarbrough, the Yankees seem poised to have some intriguing options on the mound.