Yoendrys Gomez on Yankees’ MLB call: ‘I wasn’t expecting it’

Saturday September 23, 2023

NEW YORK — Yankees pitching prospect Yoendrys Gomez was himself clearing out his locker on Thursday evening at TD Bank Ballpark. Double-A Somerset had just suffered a loss in Game 2 of the Eastern League Division Series, to an affiliate of the Mets. However, the unexpected MLB call by the Yankees turned it into a big moment for him.

The pitcher never thought that the call from the Yankees would arrive at that moment. Yoendrys Gomez’s season, marked by both highs and lows, had come to an end following the Patriots’ loss. In less than half an hour, the 23-year-old was arranging to be at Yankee Stadium the following day, where he could potentially make his Major League Baseball debut.

It makes him the first Patriot to join the Yankees MLB roster directly.

Yoendrys Gomez had given up on his MLB call

The pitcher explained that while he was packing his belongings, the team’s manager, Raul Dominguez, initially informed him that he would be staying with the taxi squad for a while. But about 20 minutes later, Dominguez told him that he would be joining the Major League team.

Yoendrys Gomez stood in the Yankees’ clubhouse on Friday, addressing the media from his new locker, which was located between those of Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon. His belongings were partially unpacked, and there was no nameplate on his locker, highlighting the rapid process of bringing the young right-hander to the Bronx.

Yankees' Yoendrys Gomez is pitching for the Somerset Patriots in MiLB. — yoendrys_gomez

With the assistance of Yankee’s interpreter, Marlon Abreu, Yoendrys Gomez conveyed that he was not expecting the call-up. He was surprised at the sudden transition from Double-A to the Major Leagues and also shared his gratitude and happiness for the opportunity.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” the pitcher said. “I really wasn’t. Jumping from Double-A to here? But at the same time, I’m so thankful and happy to be here.”

Yoendrys Gomez received a promotion to fill in for reliever Wandy Peralta, who is sidelined for the rest of the season due to a left biceps strain. The Yankees added him to the 40-man roster, enabling them to call up the right-handed pitcher. He provides some much-needed depth to an understaffed bullpen and has recovered well from a series of injuries this season. His performance has showcased the organization’s optimism about his future.

Gomez’s career in MiLB

According to manager Boone, Yoendrys Gomez is highly regarded within the organization and has the potential to develop into an excellent starting pitcher.

During his time with Double-A Somerset this season, Yoendrys Gomez achieved a 3.58 ERA in 19 starts. He is recognized as the organization’s 26th-ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. He faced a setback in the early months of the year due to a shoulder injury. Over six minor league seasons, the Venezuelan pitcher has accumulated a record of 9 wins and 12 losses, boasting a 3.44 ERA. He has recorded 292 strikeouts in 78 games and achieved a career-high of 65 1/3 innings pitched.

Yoendrys Gomez mentioned that the start of the season was challenging, as he began on the injured list (IL). He acknowledged that it was a struggle with its share of highs and lows.

Boone suggested that the prospect might have a chance to make a spot start during the last three series of the season. He pointed out that this weekend, in particular, could be a potential opportunity. There’s a chance of bad weather on Saturday, which might result in the Yankees and Diamondbacks playing two games on Sunday. Regardless of whether he starts or contributes as a long reliever for multiple innings in the remaining games, Yoendrys Gomez is better prepared in terms of his endurance compared to most other bullpen pitchers.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.