TAMPA — Fourteen years to the day that the Yankees signed Manny Banuelos as an international free agent — with a long, winding journey in between — the left-hander’s comeback attempt got another bo…
TAMPA — Fourteen years to the day that the Yankees signed Manny Banuelos as an international free agent — with a long, winding journey in between — the left-hander’s comeback attempt got another boost.
“It’s very special to be back,” Banuelos said. “I’m enjoying every day I come here to the ballpark. I have a lot of memories. It’s been [11] years since my first spring training and I’m enjoying everything I do here. I’m very grateful to the Yankees for giving me the opportunity to come back.The 31-year-old Banuelos has made the most of his three spring appearances, throwing six scoreless innings and giving up just two hits and no walks while striking out seven.
Since creating a buzz in his first big league camp in 2011 — to the point that Mariano Rivera said Banuelos was the best pitching prospect he had ever seen — and being named the No. 13 prospect in baseball ahead of the 2012 season, the Mexico native has been through plenty of adversity. Banuelos 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.