No one can claim that Ryan Yarbrough (Luray 2012) did not start his pro career by dominating batters.
A 4th round draft pick in 2014 out of Old Dominion, Ryan went to Pulaski in the Appalachian League, and threw 4 shutout innings, while striking out 5. So far so good.
But then he was promoted to Everett in the Northwest League, and proceeded to strike out 53 batters in 38 2/3 innings pitched, while walking only 4. His ERA was a sterling 1.40.
John Sickels noticed, and has named Ryan the Seattle Mariner’s #11 prospect in his preseason rankings. This is what he wrote about the 6-foot-5 lefty:
11) Ryan Yarbrough, LHP, Grade C+: Age 23, posted 1.40 ERA with 53/4 K/BB in 39 innings in Northwest League. Drafted in 4th round out of Old Dominion, threw harder in pro ball (90-94) than he did in college, throws strikes with ease, has good change-up and decent curve, number four starter projection as a finesse lefty.
Not bad! The Valley League hasn’t produced a full-time starter in the majors since Brandon Beachey (Woodstock 2008) in Atlanta (RIP to his elbow ligament), so maybe Ryan can break the drought!
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