JACKSON, Tenn. -- Former Monarch Ryan Yarbrough ('14) has been named the Southern League Pitcher of the Year following a breakout season for the Jackson Generals, the Seattle Mariners' Double-A affiliate.
The 6-5 southpaw, who was also named to the league's Postseason All-Star Team, is 12-4 with a 2.92 ERA in 24 starts this season. His 12 victories are tied for the league lead, while he also ranks second in ERA, WHIP (1.10) and opponents' average (.228) among starters.
Yarbrough got off to a scorching start to the season, throwing a complete game shutout in just his fifth start. He then reeled off six straight wins on his way to being named a Mid-Season All-Star. Yarbrough had an excellent month of May, going 5-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 30 innings of work. Due to his 2016 success, Yarbrough was ranked 13th on MLB.com's rankings of the top 30 prospects in the Seattle organization.
View Yarborough's complete stats here.
Yarbrough played at ODU for two seasons, compiling 10 career wins and a 3.89 ERA. The Lakeland, Florida, native struck out 124 in 168.2 innings and threw two complete games.
Yarbrough's accolade is just the latest in what has been an eventful summer for former Monarchs in both the majors and minors. Justin Verlander ('04) is having another fine season with the Detroit Tigers, compiling a 14-7 record with a 3.33 ERA. Connor Myers ('16) and PJ Higgins ('15), who was ranked the Chicago Cubs' 22nd best prospect by MLB.com, are teammates once again for the Cubs' Single-A affiliate South Bend. Also, Nick Hartman ('16) is 4-for-4 in save opportunities for the Blue Jays' Single-A affiliate Vancouver.
For more information on former Monarchs in the pros, visit the Monarchs In The Pros page on ODUSports.com.
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