Mitchell Makes Major League Debut with Yankees

May 2, 2012

CLEMSON, SC – Former Clemson pitcher D.J. Mitchell made his Major League debut with the New York Yankees on Tuesday night in a game at Yankee Stadium against the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles were victorious 7-1, but Mitchell did not allow a run in his one inning of work.

Mitchell became the first former Clemson pitcher to pitch for the Yankees since Jimmy Key won Game 6 in the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves. Mitchell was the first former Tiger to make his Major League debut since last year when Daniel Moskos pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Overall, Mitchell is the 26th former Tiger to pitch in the Major Leagues.

Mitchell pitched one inning and gave up two hits, but no runs. He struck out the first player he faced, J.J. Hardy. Mitchell, a 10th round selection of the Yankees in 2008, was the Yankees Minor League Pitcher of the Year last year. For his minor league career, Mitchell had a 40-21 career record.

Mitchell, who will turn 25 on May 13, was called up by the Yankees this past Sunday, April 28 from the club’s AAA affiliate in Scranton. Two days later he was pitching in Yankee Stadium.

Mitchell played for the Tigers in 2007 and 2008 and had a career record of 11-5. He was first-team All-ACC in 2008.