If Yankees pitching prospect T.J. Sikkema approaches his professional baseball career with the same mature attitude he has brought to being a DoorDash driver in Iowa, the left-hander will help his chances of hurling in the big leagues.
Ticketed for Charleston (Low-A) or Tampa (High-A), the 38th pick in last year’s draft is in the same situation as every other minor leaguer: no games with very little chance of any happening due to the coronavirus that closed big-league spring training on March 12.
“It’s a little disappointing for sure. Obviously I would have liked to throw in some games this year. This is my first pr- ball full season. I was looking forward to it and to have it taken away is weird,’’ Sikkema told The Post via phone Tuesday about his second year in the Yankees’ system likely being flushed. “At the same time, I am rolling with the punches. I am in a very, very fortunate situation. There are a lot of people a lot worse off than I am.’’
In addition to daily workouts, throwing bullpen sessions and facing live hitters twice a week in DeWitt, Iowa, the 6-foot, 221-pounder who pitched three seasons for the University of Missouri drives girlfriend Amanda Brainerd around Iowa to deliver food and groceries to folks who can’t get out.
At the suggestion of his sister Taryn, Sikkema and Amanda gave DoorDash a try.
“One day we were eating dinner with my family and we decided to try it out for a little extra money and it is the least we could do. We aren’t doing anything right now,’’ Sikkema said. “We can help some people who can’t get out because of the coronavirus.’’
What is next for Sikkema is in limbo. The MLB players and owners are trying to find common ground to have some sort of an abbreviated season. With no minor league games, the Yankees could bring their high-end prospects, which Sikkema certainly is, to Tampa to work out as part of a “taxi squad’’ should big-league games be played. Sikkema, who turns 22 next month, could also be assigned to a team in the Arizona Fall League if that is held.
After being a supplemental pick in last year’s draft and signing for $1.9 million, Sikkema appeared in four games for Staten Island (Short-season A). Since the 88 ²/₃ innings he pitched at Missouri put Sikkema near his innings limit, the Yankees only worked him 10 ²/₃ innings. He allowed one run (0.84 ERA), six hits, struck out 13 and issued one walk.
“They were being pretty careful at Staten Island. My body felt great, my arm felt great and I felt like I was throwing really good but they just felt like to be on the cautious side,’’ Sikkema said.
Twenty-nine of Sikkema’s 55 college appearances were in relief, with 21 coming his freshman season. However, he is being viewed as starter whenever the next step is taken.