TAMPA — Fourteen years to the day since the Yankees signed Manny Banuelos as an international free agent — with a long, winding journey in between — the southpaw’s comeback attempt has received another boost.
Banuelos played his third consecutive scoreless outing in the Grapefruit League, starting against a mostly regular Blue Jays roster and knocking them out in three innings in an 11-3 loss Wednesday night at Steinbrenner Field.
“It’s very special to be back,” Banuelos said. “I enjoy every day that I come here to the ballpark. I have many memories. It was [11] years since my first spring training and I enjoy everything I do here. I’m very grateful to the Yankees for giving me the opportunity to come back.
“I want to enjoy. I want to show that I still have something.
Banuelos, 31, made the most of his three spring appearances, tossing six scoreless innings and giving up just two hits and no walks while striking out seven.
Although manager Aaron Boone said Banuelos’ stuff on Wednesday was as good as it’s been all spring, the biggest factor working against him in getting the Yankees roster out of camp is that he doesn’t is not part of the list of 40 players. They may already have to clear two spots – for Marwin Gonzalez, who should win a super-utility position, and potentially for another receiver until Ben Rortvedt (slant) is ready to play.
“I think there’s always an opportunity,” said Banuelos, who stretches as a multi-inning reliever. “But honestly, I just focus on what I do every day.”
Since creating a buzz at his first big league camp in 2011 – to the point where Mariano Rivera declared Banuelos the best pitching prospect he had ever seen – and being named a prospect No. 13 in baseball (per MLB.com) ahead of the 2012 season, the Mexico native has been through a lot of adversity.
After the 2012 season, Banuelos underwent Tommy John surgery, then struggled on his return and was traded to the Braves in 2015. He made his league debut that year, but only returned. in 2019 with the White Sox.
Banuelos has spent the last two seasons pitching for the Fubon Guardians in the Chinese Professional Baseball League, but pointed to his arm being strong and healthy during that time to lead to his resurgence.
Once a hard thrower, Banuelos averaged 93 mph on his lead on Wednesday while mixing a range of off-speed throws.
“My bike has come down and I have more control,” Banuelos said. “I have more experience. I have been throwing for a long time, so I am more mature.
