After being invited to a spring training workout by the New York Yankees, relief prospect Eric Reyzelman suffered an allergic reaction and had to stay overnight in hospital
Eric Reyzelman, a non-roster invitee, was rushed to hospital after suffering an allergic reaction during the first New York Yankees spring training workout for pitchers and catchers on Wednesday.
Reyzelman was in a stable condition on Wednesday morning, but the MLB team confirmed that he would remain at St. Joseph’s Hospital overnight. “He’ll be kept overnight for observation, and we’ll have another update likely (Thursday),” Yankees spokesperson Jason Zillo said.
It was not disclosed what type of reaction Reyzelman had, or what triggered it, and it appears that the Yankees are unaware themselves. “There is uncertainty, so we’re going to wait for doctors to give us more information,” Zillo added.
The 23-year-old prospect was invited to the team workout at Steinbrenner Field after a breakthrough 2024 season, which saw the hard-throwing right-hander thrive at three minor league levels. The Yankees selected Reyzelman in the fifth round (160th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of LSU.
Reyzelman has become known for his fast pitches, reaching 100 mph last season in the minors. At 6-foot-2 and 188-pounds, the California native has a powerful throw and was at the peak of his powers last season, which led to the Yankees inviting him to their training in Tampa.
“I feel like a million bucks right now. I have the most confidence in myself when I get on the mound,” Reyzelman said back in September. The young pitcher played 31 times last season, posting a 1.16 ERA with five saves and 63 strikeouts in 38.2 innings.
While the reaction may have temporarily restricted his training with the Yankees, the organization will keep a close eye on the 23-year-old before giving him a chance to impress. Reyzelman has faced setbacks and rejection throughout his baseball career, but is determined to make it pro.
It’s time to learn the name Eric Reyzelman if you haven’t already.
The 23yo LSU product now has a K% over 40% on the year to go along with a 1.27 ERA across 35.1 IP.
The best relief prospect in the Yankees org. https://t.co/ADglxpkYVu pic.twitter.com/oHHGOGCHti
— . (@HalToHell) September 4, 2024
Reyzelman revealed after being drafted by the Yankees that he was cut from his high school team on several occasions. It ended up working out for the pitcher out of San Ramon, CA, but he admitted that being a late bloomer was to blame.
“I didn’t realize how competitive the school that I went to was going to be,” Reyzelman told MiLB.com. “I chose to go there because of the baseball program and how good of a reputation that they had.
“I just kind of wasn’t prepared and was also a late bloomer physically. Really didn’t develop, really didn’t get tall or get any strength in me until my junior and senior year.”
“I had to go through a point when I got cut that junior year that [my parents] had sat me down and told me that it was time to hang it up and focus on school; get into a good college and go and have a good career. I just had this feeling that I wasn’t done with baseball yet and couldn’t hang it up.”
