D-backs select RHP Tyler Jones from Yankees in Rule 5 Draft
Dec 8, 2016, 9:46 AM
Still on the lookout for relief pitching, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected right-hander Tyler Jones from the New York Yankees in Thursday’s MLB Rule 5 Draft.
Jones, 27, spent 2016 with the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Yankees. In 33 relief apperances, he posted a 6-2 record, a 2.17 ERA, 1.226 WHIP and 67 strikeouts in 45.2 innings. Jones has 180 minor league appearances on his résumé since breaking into pro ball in 2011 after being drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 11th round out of LSU.
He has a career 19-17 record with a 3.55 ERA, a 1.340 WHIP and 361 strikeouts in 296.1 innings.
In accordance with draft rules, the Diamondbacks paid the Yankees $50,000. Jones must stay on the D-backs’ 25-man roster all season or be offered back back to New York for a $25,000 fee. If the Yankees decline, Jones could then be waived.
The Diamondbacks also selected three players in the Minor League portion of the Rule 5 Draft: RHP Jon Fitzsimmons (Cleveland), RHP Grant Sides (Cleveland) and infielder Daniel Lockhart (Chicago Cubs).