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2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 New York Yankees Breakout Candidates

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 New York Yankees Breakout Candidates

Michael Pineda New York Yankees
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The New York Yankees haven’t had a losing season since 1992, but last year marked the first time since 1994 that the Bombers missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons. The Yankees are trying to rebound with some fresh faces in 2015, and here are five breakout candidates.

5. Justin Wilson

Justin Wilson New York Yankees
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5. Justin Wilson

Justin Wilson New York Yankees
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The lefty struck out 61 batters in 60 innings of relief last season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Andrew Miller is the best left-hander in New York’s bullpen, but Wilson should be a good option for situational matchups against lefty batters.

4. Jose Pirela

Jose Pirela New York Yankees
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4. Jose Pirela

Jose Pirela New York Yankees
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Pirela got the chance to play in seven games at the end of last season and had eight hits. The Yankees already have an idea of who will be the regular infielders, but if injuries occur, Pirela will get a chance to see the lineup and make an impact.

3. Ivan Nova

Ivan Nova New York Yankees
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3. Ivan Nova

Ivan Nova New York Yankees
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Nova had an impressive rookie season in 2011 going 16-4, but the Yankees have been waiting for his breakout year. Nova will miss the first month of the season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, but this could be the year for him to take the next step.

2. Didi Gregorius

Didi Gregorius New York Yankees
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2. Didi Gregorius

Didi Gregorius New York Yankees
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Gregorius has a tough job this season replacing No. 2 at shortstop, but the Yankees have a lot of faith in his ability to have the best season of his career in 2015. He needs to get better at hitting left-handed pitching in order to play every day, but Gregorius has the potential to do it and have an impressive year.

1. Michael Pineda

Michael Pineda New York Yankees
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1. Michael Pineda

Michael Pineda New York Yankees
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Injuries have been the story of his career so far, but Pineda showed last year why he was worth waiting for, throwing 76.1 innings to a sparkling 1.89 ERA. Pineda has the potential to be a Cy Young-caliber pitcher if he doesn’t get hurt.

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