It's September Call Up Time!

Happy Labor Day, everyone.

If you are celebrating the end of summer where you live (I’m not in the desert, it is almost never-ending) please take a moment to reflect on all of the hard work and sacrifice of the labor movement that made this weekend and many other of life’s pleasures possible.

I love this time of year! I get excited to see rosters expand and the Yankees reward their promising up and coming talent with a month long audition for next year. It’s like a sneak preview of a movie coming soon that you are just dying to see! We have so much talent, it’s always fun to try and predict who is about to come up.

The Yankees already called up Stephen Tarpley, Tyler Wade and Luis Cessa, so who else might be coming up?

1. Domingo German
I’d say it is highly likely that we will see German again. He was on the Triple-A disabled list since July 27 with inflammation of his ulnar nerve, but he started playing again recently. German had two rehab starts for Tampa since being reinstated on Aug. 25 and worked three shutout innings each time. The Yankees are pretty high on German. They did give him a few starts as a fill-in number five starter this season. He has some big league experience so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Yankees gave him another shot some time this month. If Lance Lynn continues to struggle it may make even more sense to give him another try.

2. Chance Adams
If I were a betting woman, I’d say it’s 100% likely the Yankees call Chance up again. Remember, we recently saw Adams for a spot appearance when CC Sabathia went down. He’s had two call ups this season. He’s had his struggles and he may not pitch much but getting some one on one time with Larry Rothschild could really help. His last few appearances have been in relief roles so clearly the Yankees are prepping him for some bullpen help. Maybe this will finally help the Yankees decide on whether to keep him around long term or package him in a trade during the off-season.

3. Jonathan Loaisiga
Johnny Lasagna is back in action! I’ve just heard too many mixed rumors on whether or not he will be back in the Bronx again this year. Loaisiga was on the disabled list from July 7th to August 11th with shoulder inflammation. There were rumors the Yankees may want to shut him down due to his recent shoulder issues, but he’s made four appearances since coming off of the disabled list and he really hasn’t pitched much this season. I think the Yankees do call him up, but they wait awhile longer. The Yankees have limited options here. One, send him to Instructional League in Tampa for more innings and more work on a set schedule which he could get since Trenton Thunder have already snagged a postseason spot. Or two, call him up and put him in the big league bullpen which would still be a huge benefit for the Yankees. Unless a catastrophe happens and we see more injuries, I don’t see the Yankees giving him a big league start….until next year. Maybe next year we see him win a starting role.

4. Justus Sheffield
This one is a no-brainer. It’s inevitable. I am excited to see Sheffield in action. He’s definitely had success as a starter down in the minors. This year he has given up two or fewer earned runs in 16 of his 20 starts, 12 of 15 of those starts were in Triple-A. Towards the end of August Aaron Boone confirmed that Sheffield was shifted to the bullpen down in the minors to prepare him to work out of the bullpen for the Yankees in September. We’ve all been waiting to see Sheffield in action. Earlier this ear Brian Cashman hinted that Sheffield would be called up, now Boone has and he’s pitching in relief. He’s groomed, the question is how much longer until he gets the call up?

5. Clint Frazier
Well….possibly….maybe? If he continues to progress from his migraine and concussion symptoms?  He did start a rehab assignment, so let’s hope it is one step closer to a return. He would definitely be a big addition especially if Aaron Judge doesn’t come back. I don’t even want to think about that right now though. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed.

I love this part of the season. It’s time to get some fresh blood and energy into this team for the final stretch. Who do YOU want to see get a call up?

–Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj