The New York Yankees made a "difficult decision" to send young pitcher Lagrange down to the minor league spring training camp.

No one drew more attention than Carlos Lagrange in the Yankees' spring training camp. The right-hander, capable of triple-digit fastballs, caught the eye of the team's most experienced veterans with his fiery pitches and devastating secondary offerings.

Lagrange's performance sparked internal discussions, and the management debated whether to include this top pitching prospect directly on the Opening Day roster. Manager Aaron Boone noted that even though Lagrange was sent down to the minor league camp today, his inclusion in these discussions itself highlights his significant progress.

“It became a tough call,” Boone said. “When spring training began, I didn't even think this would be a decision we'd have to make. He absolutely grabbed everyone's attention. I'm pleased with where he is now. I wouldn't be surprised if he impacts us early, mid-season, or later in the year.”

“I can only tell you that we're all very excited about his continued development and what we believe he could bring to the team in the future.”

One day before this reassignment, Lagrange (ranked as the Yankees' No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline) pitched four scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox following Gerrit Cole, lowering his spring training ERA to 0.66.

Over 13.2 innings, Lagrange allowed only 6 hits, issued 4 walks, and struck out 13 batters. His only run surrendered was a solo home run by Detroit Tigers' Corey Julks on February 21.

“I'm proud of him,” Boone said. “This was my first chance to get close to him and understand him as a person. What impressed me most was his professionalism, confidence, adaptability, teachability, and competitive spirit.”

After yesterday's game, Lagrange stated he felt ready to face MLB hitters and pointed out several areas of improvement this spring.

“Attacking the strike zone, executing more consistently after two strikes, staying calm in any situation,” Lagrange said via a translator. “I feel doing these things makes me ready to compete.”

This sentiment resonated in the locker room. Cole, one of those who noticed the 6-foot-7 (2.01m), 248-pound (112kg) right-hander, exclaimed earlier in spring training: “It's just ridiculous. I've never seen anything like it.”

Austin Wells, who caught Lagrange yesterday, also praised him: “I have no doubt he could help us right now.”

Max Fried, who just completed his final tune-up before his March 25 Opening Night start against the San Francisco Giants, offered similar praise.

“I've never seen velocity like that, so consistently, and over so many innings,” Fried said. “He trains extremely hard, is very open to information, and obviously his results speak for themselves. He's outstanding. He'll definitely impact this team.”

Although Lagrange appeared in relief yesterday, the Yankees plan to continue developing him as a starter. He may begin the new season at Double-A Somerset, where he posted a 7-6 record with a 3.22 ERA over 16 appearances last season. Given his spring performance, he's more likely to be assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, making him readily available for a call-up, which might not be far off.

“It will come when it's time,” Boone said. “I'm very excited about him and believe he will impact us in a significant way sooner or later.”