In an unexpected twist, New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Yarbrough has drawn comparisons to Pittsburgh Pirates’ standout and 2024 National League Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes, following a remarkable performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers last weekend. Yarbrough’s outing helped the Yankees avoid a series sweep, prompting MLB.com insider Bryan Hoch to note that only Skenes has tamed the Dodgers’ potent lineup as effectively this season, despite the two pitchers’ vastly different approaches on the mound.
Yarbrough, a seasoned veteran in his eighth MLB season, delivered a masterclass in front of a sellout crowd of 54,031, stifling the Dodgers’ offense with 17 swings and misses, including seven on his sweeper. Hoch pointed out that only Skenes, with 18 swings and misses in a single game, has outperformed Yarbrough in this metric against the Dodgers this year. However, Hoch was quick to clarify that “no one is mistaking Yarbrough’s arsenal for Skenes’,” highlighting the stark contrast in their pitching styles.
While Skenes, in his sophomore season, dazzles with a blazing fastball averaging 99 MPH, Yarbrough operates at a much slower pace, with his pitches averaging 87 MPH. Their 2024 statistics further underscore their differences. Skenes, after debuting in May, posted an impressive 1.96 ERA over 133 innings in 23 games. Yarbrough, who split time between the Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays last season, recorded a solid 3.19 ERA across 98.2 innings in 44 appearances. Despite these disparities, Yarbrough’s performance against his former team showcased a deceptive quality that left Dodgers hitters struggling.
Dodgers infielder Max Muncy offered insight into why Yarbrough’s slower pitches were so effective. “He might only be throwing mid-80s, but it feels so much harder than that,” Muncy told Hoch. “He’s a tall guy; he’s got long arms, so he’s got good extension. He’s got the funky delivery with the low slot, so it always makes his ball feel a lot harder than what it actually is.” This combination of physical attributes and an unorthodox delivery allows Yarbrough to bridge the gap between his velocity and the perceived speed of his pitches, drawing an unexpected parallel to Skenes’ dominance.
While Skenes relies on raw power, Yarbrough’s craftiness and unique mechanics proved equally challenging for the Dodgers. The comparison, though surprising, underscores Yarbrough’s ability to compete with the game’s elite through finesse rather than firepower. As the Yankees continue their campaign, Yarbrough’s standout performance serves as a reminder that effectiveness on the mound can come in many forms, even if it’s not at 99 MPH.