Block ’em out
Sheffield dodges trade rumors
WASHINGTON — Justus Sheffield’s name has been all over baseball news these days.
The 22-year-old left-handed pitching prospect is rumored to be atop the Orioles wish list if they are going to trade Manny Machado to the Yankees.
But having already gone through this two years ago, Sheffield isn’t paying attention.
“I think it’s every year I’ve kind of played for a team that is in the race or in the running,” Sheffield said Sunday before pitching in the All-Star Futures Game. “Last couple weeks in July things start to get a little heated up. I just block it out and control what I can control. For me, that’s staying healthy and go out there and continue pitching.”
Sheffield pitched 1.1 innings for Team USA in Sunday’s game, striking out one and giving up two runs on two hits. He gave up a home run to the first batter he faced, Astros’ prospect Yordan Alvarez.
Brian Cashman has told teams Sheffield is not available, but the top prospect has been through this before.
The Yankees acquired him in the 2016 deal that sent Andrew Miller to the Indians for Sheffield and Clint Frazier.
So, he’s had some practice tuning out trade rumors and has trained his family and friends to do the same.
“I am pretty sure I got friends and family members who watch it,” Sheffield said. “They know some of it may be true, some may not. You can’t believe everything you read. They know not to tell me anything. I just want to block it out and keep playing.” So far, it’s working. Sheffield has pitched to a 2.44 ERA in 85 innings this season split between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton. He has a 1.14 WHIP with 95 strikeouts in 85 innings pitched.
Scouts say he has a plus fastball and slider and an above-average changeup. Sheffield has been working on his command this season.
“This year, I really wanted to focus on not walking guys. I started out the year with six walks and that was not a good start,” Sheffield said. “I talked to my pitching coordinator and my pitching coach in Scranton and we just talked about let’s lower the walks.
“So, that’s what I’ve been doing. I am pitching with more confidence, not trying to hit the corners and worry about that. Trying to induce contact and let my defense take care of it.”