Sonny Gray did not pan out, but neither has the haul the Yankees gave up (so far).
There is yet another concern about James Kaprielian, who was the best prospect the Yankees sent to Oakland during the 2017 trade deadline. A’s manager Bob Melvin told reporters Sunday that the right-hander has had a setback with his shoulder and will not start training camp with the rest of Oakland’s pitchers. Melvin said the 24-year-old will have an MRI after feeling some lat discomfort while throwing.
It’s unclear the severity, but it’s unwelcome news for the A’s and Kaprielian, who hasn’t thrown a professional inning since 2016. In early 2017, Kaprielian needed Tommy John surgery, and the 2015 first-round pick was dealt while he was still rehabbing. Kaprielian has not quite made it back, being shut down last year with shoulder issues, and it’s beginning to be a question whether he’ll ever be right.
Of the Yankees’ three-prospect cost for Gray, the only player to reach the majors so far has been outfielder Dustin Fowler, who slashed .224/.256/.354 in 69 games last season. Speedy Jorge Mateo reached Triple-A last season but hit just .230.