Yankees Prospects: Jacob Lindgren, Ian Clarkin, and others get promotions

The New York Yankees have officially promoted the following players in their minor-league system: Jacob Lindgren (new level AA), Mark Payton (A+), Ian Clarkin (A+), Nick Rumbelow (A+), and Conor Mullee (A-ball).

Lindgren's quick ascent through this system comes as no surprise, as some believed he has a chance to pitch in the Bronx this season. Lindgren was the Yankees' second round pick this past-draft, and is regarded as a true lefty reliever, he can get both lefties and righties out. So far Lindgren has gone through 3 levels and has a 20.2 K/9 rate. With the way things are going for him, I wouldn't be surprised to see him earn another quick promotion, especially now that Matt Thornton is gone.

Payton, another 2014 draft pick, also looks like a fast mover. After dominating his final year in college, Payton was assigned to the Charleston Riverdogs and continued to dominate. Payton's .357/.443/.943 slash line in Low-A ball was very impressive. When he was drafted I thought of him as another Taylor Dugas, but he seems to be moving through the system faster, and might be viewed as a significantly better player.

Clarkin was drafted a year ago, but didn't really pitch in any games until this season. He has pretty well this year. Clarkin had a 3.21 ERA, and a 1.229 WHIP in A-ball, so this promotion was well earned. No matter what he does in Tampa, he’ll probably start there next season, but as we saw with Luis Severino, the Yankees have shown the willingness to promote pitchers aggressively. It’s also a positive sign that all of the Yankees 2013 first-rounder’s will be above A-ball.

Rumbelow's promotion was also not surprising; he only had 7 innings in AA, but his stuff is so good that this promotion was really earned. Rumbelow may have an outside chance of making the Yankees' pen this year; if he had to be protected for the Rule-5 draft I’d guess he’d be added this season. But the yearly 40-man roster crunch may keep him off the roster. With that said Rumbelow, Goody, and Lindgren, could all be a part of the pen next season, and their presence will allow the team to leave other relievers unprotected.

The final promotion was of Mulee's and he might be the most interesting guy on this list. He has always had great stuff, but had to undergo two Tommy John surgeries just to get to this point. This is why the 26 year old, has never even played in A-ball. With that said, if his stuff is as good as it once was he could eventually be a factor for this team.

Follow @JoshSabo1 Tweet