ST. PETERSBURG — Ryan Yarbrough found success in an unusual role a season ago. The left-hander compiled a 16-6 record with a 3.91 ERA over 147 1/3 innings while only making six starts.
He appeared in 38 games, often following an opener like Ryne Stanek or Sergio Romo.
Yarbrough is searching success in the same role early this season. He owns a 5.31 ERA through nine appearances, but he dominated in his last outing. The lefthander posted 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball Saturday at Boston.
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“I was lucky enough to have Travis (d’Arnaud) back there calling a really good game, but I was mixing speeds a lot really well and just keeping guys off balance,” Yarbrough said.