Maybe it was a coincidence, but on a day when veteran starter CC Sabathia imploded, the struggling New York Yankees have reportedly turned to their top-rated prospect for some pitching help.

Justus Sheffield, a 22-year-old left-hander, has been promoted by the Yankees, according to the Scranton (Pa.) Times-Tribune. It followed Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s loss to Durham in the Triple-A International League Governors’ Cup Finals.

The Yankees have not officially announced the promotion of Sheffield, who in recent weeks has pitched exclusively as a reliever.

The scouting report by MLB Pipeline said:

“Sheffield could have three plus pitches when all is said and done. His 92-97 mph fastball features some run and sink and is his most consistent offering, though his mid-80s slider may have more upside. His changeup isn’t as reliable as his first two options, yet he still shows the ability to miss bats with it. ... He’s athletic and has been durable as a pro outside of his oblique injury. He improved his control in 2017 and has the potential to become a No. 3 starter.”

Sheffield, who started five games for Double-A Trenton, made 20 appearances (15 starts) at the Triple-A level this year, finishing 6-4 with a 2.56 ERA in 88 innings for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, while totaling 36 walks and 84 strikeouts.

The Yankees acquired Sheffield, outfielder Clint Frazier and pitchers J.P. Feyereisen and Ben Heller from the Cleveland Indians in July 2016 for left-handed reliever Andrew Miller.

Sheffield was a first-round selection (31st overall) of the Indians in the 2014 MLB Draft.

--Field Level Media