Justus Sheffield makes MLB debut

Justus Sheffield made his MLB debut for the New York Yankees on Wednesday night against the Boston Red Sox.  Sheffield, wearing No. 61, stopped as he was making his way out of the bullpen to soak it all in.  It’s been a long journey for the Yankee’s top prospect.  He should have been called up months ago when the Yankees were throwing Luis Cessa out there, but it’s understandable GM Brian Cashman and the organization want to be cautious with the No. 23 overall prospect in the Major Leagues.

Sheffield worked in and out of trouble, walking his first batter, having a weak ball to first cuff him up, then walking another batter after getting a pop-up out.  With one out, Mookie Betts came up to bat against the young lefty.  Sheffield struggled to keep command of his pitches, mostly from nerves, and nearly gave up a grand slam after Betts pulled a 3-2 fastball just left of the left field foul pole.  The next pitch..Sheffield got Betts to roll into a double play and end the game.

It was most certainly an emotional moment for the young kid, and one that he’ll remember forever.

Sheffield has a very bright future, and this is just the first benchmark in what is hopefully an illustrious career.  Even though they were up 10-1, giving Sheffield the opportunity to close out a game against the team’s biggest rival.  It’s a sign of encouragement that Sheff was able to work out of trouble, and even though he had plenty of nerves, he still got through it.

It’s going to be interesting to see how the Yankees use him in the playoffs, if at all.  Sheffield will most likely make the postseason roster, and if so he will get in.  His stuff is too good for him not to be given a chance.  The nerves will settle, but this moment will always be his.