Via Aaron Fitt, Yankees’ 27th round pick Martin Viramontes is returning to Loyola Marymount for his junior season. Draft eligible as a redshirt sophomore, Viramontes features a big time power arm and is capable of running his fastball up to 96 with a curveball and split-change hybrid. Mechanical issues and a 2009 elbow injury have caused him to be consistently inconsistent over the last two seasons, hurting his stock. A Scott Boras client and top 200 draft prospect, Viramontes was always a long-shot to sign.
In 29.1 innings with the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod League this summer, Viramontes allowed just nine hits, but he walked 18 (and hit a batter) while striking out 19. Nice gamble to take that late in the draft, but it’s not the end of the world that he’s going back to school.
The signing deadline is midnight tonight, and you can see all the Yanks’ signed picks here.