Acevedo’s velocity returns; Warren to start tonight Warren set for rehab

TRENTON » Domingo Acevedo returned to the mound with an electric three-inning performance to help the Thunder complete a four-game sweep over Erie on Monday.

The No. 8 ranked prospect in the Yankees’ organization, Acevedo hadn’t pitched since April 11 due to a blister on his right index finger.

With his fastball having regained its mid-upper 90s velocity, the right-hander fanned three and faced the minimum of nine batters in a piggyback appearance.

“He had a very lively fastball,” Thunder manager Jay Bell said. “To see his fastball back the way it was (was) really nice. He had no issues with his fingertips at all.”

This wasn’t the first time Acevedo has been hampered by a blister, and Bell said the organization wanted to make sure he was completely healed before returning, which may have factored into the lengthy layoff.

“I think he tried to pitch through it the first time and it ripped,” Bell said. “They wanted to get it fully healed and didn’t want to take a chance.”

Bell said it hasn’t been decided yet when Acevedo will return to the starting rotation and he could continue to piggyback to build up stamina.

Right-hander Adam Warren is scheduled to start Wednesday’s game as he continues rehabbing from the right back strain that landed him on the disabled list back on April 21.

Warren, 30, made eight appearances for the Yankees prior to the injury.

He began his career with the Yankees, but was traded to the Cubs in exchange for Starlin Castro in 2015 then reacquired in the Aroldis Chapman trade that also netted the club Gleyber Torres.

Warren had a 2.35 ERA in 46 relief appearances (57.1 innings) last season.