Ex-Yankee ace Chien-Ming Wang is tearing up Royals camp
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By Joe Giglio | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
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on March 15, 2016 at 4:20 PM, updated March 15, 2016 at 4:40 PM
On June 15, 2008, Yankees ace Chien-Ming Wang left the field after rounding
the bases during an interleague game against the then National League-based
Houston Astros. Eight years later, he might finally be returning.
While the foot injury that came during that sprint around the Houston infield
didn't technically end Wang's career, it might as well have. When Wang hit
the disabled list in June of 2008, he owned the following career numbers:
54-20, 3.79 ERA, 117 ERA+ and a 3.90 FIP. With back-to-back 30-plus start
seasons, a No. 2 finish in an AL Cy Young vote and rising strikeout rates,
Wang was 28 years old and a Yankees star.
Since? A total of 31 starts across seven years, an ERA of 6.60 and zero
appearances since 2013. That run included forgettable stints with the
Nationals, Blue Jays, Reds, White Sox, Braves, Mariners and Southern Maryland
Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League.
While New York fans certainly hope CC Sabathia takes home Comeback Player of
the Year honors, Wang's latest comeback attempt is the most eye-opening
development of spring training. He's not only healthy, but the 35-year-old
suddenly has his arsenal back for the Kansas City Royals.
Heading into Cactus League play on Tuesday, Wang had pitched to a 1.50 ERA
across four games, striking out five batters in six innings. If he continues
to look like the Wang of old, the two-time defending American League
champions might have to find a spot for him on a loaded roster.
Kansas City travels to New York for a series with the Yankees on May 9,
giving the Wang comeback story a chance to play out on the mound he dominated
for years during his prime.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on
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