New York Yankees Hurler Shines in Spot Start

In his return to the majors, Jhony Brito threw 5.2 shutout innings for the New York Yankees.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Yankees pitcher Jhony Brito had a tall task ahead of him on Wednesday.

Recalled from the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the 25-year old rookie right-hander was scheduled to pitch against the Seattle Mariners as a spot start.

Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees recalled RHP Jhony Brito (#76) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 21, 2023

The Mariners have struggled offensively this season, but still had several talented hitters in their lineup. Meanwhile, they boasted one of the best pitching staffs in the league, led by ace Luis Castillo, who would square off against Brito.

Brito had struggled in his previous two starts at the major league level, but on Wednesday, he was fantastic.

The rookie carved up the Seattle lineup for 5.2 innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out three. He didn’t allow a single baserunner to advance beyond second base, and even out dueled Castillo, who allowed three runs in five innings.

Brito brought it 🔥#RepBX pic.twitter.com/QTnQqKCKAD

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 22, 2023

Brito allowed only one runner to enter scoring position, which occurred in the top of the first. After Jose Caballero led off the game with a single, Julio Rodriguez reached on a force play and promptly stole second base. That would be the closest the Mariners came to scoring off Brito, as the righty struck out Ty France on three pitches before Teoscar Hernandez flew out to end the inning.

From there, Brito cruised through the lineup. The strikeout of France was the first of 11 consecutive batters retired by Brito, who didn’t allow another baserunner until allowing a leadoff single to Jarred Kelenic in the fifth inning. This wouldn’t amount to anything either, as Brito calmly retired the next three batters.

In the sixth inning, Brito got the first two outs, but was taken out of the game after walking Rodriguez, which put him one out shy of a quality start. But when Jimmy Cordero quickly retired France, Brito was guaranteed a scoreless outing.

The Yankees went on to win the game, 4-2, as Brito’s record improved to 4-3. His ERA dropped from 5.60 to 4.89.

New York will look to complete a three-game sweep of Seattle on Thursday. First pitch is at 7:05 pm ET.