James Kaprielian

James Kaprielian
New York Yankees – No. 90
Pitcher
Born: (1994-03-02) March 2, 1994 Laguna Hills, California
Bats: Right Throws: Right

James Douglas Kaprielian (born March 2, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees' organization. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college baseball for the UCLA Bruins, and was drafted by the Yankees with the 16th pick in the first round of the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft.

Career

Kaprielian attended Arnold O. Beckman High School in Irvine, California. During his career he went 33–3 with a 0.96 earned run average (ERA) and 250 strikeouts. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 40th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft. He did not sign with the Mariners and enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to play college baseball for the UCLA Bruins. As a freshman in 2013, Kaprielian appeared in 34 games as a relief pitcher, recording a 1.55 ERA with 53 strikeouts. As a sophomore, he was converted into a starter. He started 15 games, going 7–6 with a 2.29 ERA and 108 strikeouts.

On May 15, 2015, Kaprielian combined with David Berg for the first no-hitter in UCLA history. Kaprielian pitched the first nine innings and Berg pitched the tenth inning to complete the no-hitter. Kaprielian was considered one of the top prospects for the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft, and was selected by the New York Yankees in the first round, with the 16th overall selection. He signed with the Yankees, receiving a $2.65 million signing bonus.

Kaprielian received a non-roster invitation to spring training in 2016. He began the season with the Tampa Yankees of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League.

Personal

Kaprielian's mother, Barbara Kaprielian, died of breast cancer in 2014 after her 14-year battle.

Kaprielian is of Armenian descent.

External links

• UCLA Bruins bio