Former A’s Pitcher Tyler Jones Taken 6th Overall in MLB Rule 5 Draft by Arizona; Will be Added to 40-Man Roster

The Arizona Diamondbacks selected former Sheboygan A’s pitcher Tyler Jones from the New York Yankees’ organization in last week’s MLB Rule 5 Draft.

Jones, 27, spent last year with the Double-A Trenton Thunder. Over the last two seasons in the Braves and Yankees systems, Jones has put up some impressive numbers. In 2015 he posted a 0-1 record, 2.50 earned run average, 22 saves, and 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings over 54 innings pitched. With the Yankees system in 2016, he posted a 6-2 record, 2.17 ERA, 11 saves, and 13.2 strikeouts per nine innings over 45 2/3 innings pitched.

The selection of Jones cost the D-backs $100,000. They must keep the player on the Major League roster for the entire season or offer him back to the Yankees for $50,000. It is also possible they could work out a trade for Jones if the D-backs wanted to send him to the Minors at some point.

"We’ve had our eye on him," general manager Mike Hazen said. "He had a great second half in Double-A for the Yankees. Good power arm, good fastball, power curveball. We think it’s a worthwhile opportunity to take another guy with a power arm and bring him into the mix. Bring him into Spring Training and compete."

Jones played at Louisiana State University and was selected by the Twins in the 11th round of the 2011 Draft. He would then be traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2015. The Yankees signed him as a Minor League free agent last year. He has pitched six seasons in the Minors.

"I think in these types of situations, it’s one of those things where guys can develop later," Hazen said. "And if they develop earlier, a lot of times are protected on a roster or something. When it comes together later, sometimes you get opportunities like this."

Jones pitched for the Sheboygan A’s during the 2009 season, going 4-1 with a 3.12 ERA in seven games (five starts).