| James Kaprielian | |
|---|---|
 Kaprielian with theUCLA Bruins in 2015 | |
| Free agent | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1994-03-02)March 2, 1994 (age 31) Laguna Hills, California, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| August 16, 2020, for the Oakland Athletics | |
| MLB statistics (through 2023 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 15–20 |
| Earned run average | 4.61 |
| Strikeouts | 282 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
James Douglas Kaprielian (/kəˈprɪl.i.ən/; born March 2, 1994) is an American professionalbaseballpitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theOakland Athletics. He attended theUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he playedcollege baseball for theUCLA Bruins, and was drafted by theNew York Yankees with the 16th pick in the first round of the2015 MLB draft.
Kaprielian attendedArnold O. Beckman High School inIrvine, California. During his career he went 33–3 with a 0.96earned run average (ERA) and 250strikeouts.[1] He was drafted by theSeattle Mariners in the 40th round of the2012 MLB draft. He did not sign with the Mariners and enrolled at theUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to playcollege baseball for theUCLA Bruins.[2][3] As a freshman in 2013, Kaprielian appeared in 34 games as a relief pitcher, recording a 1.55 ERA with 53 strikeouts.[4] In 2013, he playedcollegiate summer baseball in theCape Cod Baseball League for theYarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, and was named a league all-star.[5][6] As a sophomore, he was converted into a starter. He started 15 games, going 7–6 with a 2.29 ERA and 108 strikeouts.[7]
On May 15, 2015, Kaprielian combined withDavid Berg for the firstno-hitter in UCLA history. Kaprielian pitched the first nine innings and Berg pitched the tenth inning to complete the no-hitter.[8]
Kaprielian was considered one of the top prospects for the2015 MLB draft, and was selected by theNew York Yankees in the first round, with the 16th overall selection.[9] He signed with the Yankees, receiving a $2.65 millionsigning bonus,[10] and spent his first professional season with both theGCL Yankees andStaten Island Yankees, posting a combined 0–1 record and 3.97 ERA in11+1⁄3 total innings between both teams.[11]
Kaprielian received a non-roster invitation tospring training in 2016.[12][13] He began the season with theTampa Yankees,[14] but only played in three games due to an injured flexor tendon in his right elbow.[15]
Heading into the 2017 season, Kaprielian was considered the 58th best prospect in MLB.[16] His elbow discomfort persisted, and he began the season on the disabled list.[17] On April 18, 2017, he underwentTommy John surgery to repair a tornulnar collateral ligament, ending his season.[18]
On July 31, 2017, the Yankees traded Kaprielian to theOakland Athletics, along with fellow prospectsJorge Mateo andDustin Fowler, in exchange forSonny Gray.[19] He did not appear for the organization during the 2017 or 2018 seasons.
On November 20, 2018, the Athletics added Kaprielian to their40-man roster to protect him from theRule 5 draft.[20] Kaprielian made his debut with the High-AStockton Ports on May 19, 2019. He accumulated a 4.46 ERA in36+1⁄3 innings with a 43:8 K-to-BB ratio before the Athletics promoted him to the Double-AMidland RockHounds on July 23.[21] He was promoted again to Triple-A at the end of August.[22]
On August 16, 2020, Kaprielian made his MLB debut with two innings against theSan Francisco Giants. He allowed a home run to the first batter he faced,Brandon Crawford, and struck out one.[23] He spent most of the season at the Athletics' alternate training site inSan Jose and only pitched in two games of mop-up duty with the Athletics, allowing three runs in3+2⁄3 innings of work.
On May 12, 2021, injuries in the rotation led to Kaprielian receiving a call-up to make his first MLB start atFenway Park against theBoston Red Sox.[24] With his father and uncle in attendance, Kaprielian was rewarded with the win, allowing one run in five innings with six strikeouts in a 4–1 victory for the Athletics.[25] On July 27, Kaprielian collected his first career base hit, notching a single againstSan Diego Padres pitcherChris Paddack.[26] Kaprielian finished the 2021 season with an 8–5 record, a 4.07 ERA and 123 strikeouts in119+1⁄3 innings.
Kaprielian started the 2022 season in the Injured List because of irritation in the AC joint of his shoulder.[27] He made his season debut on May 1, 2022, against theCleveland Guardians.[28] Following the season, on December 5, Kaprielian underwent surgery to repair his rightAC joint.[29]
After allowing 23 runs in 16 innings to start the 2023 season, Kaprielian was demoted to Triple-A.[30] He returned on May 13.[31] Overall, he made 14 appearances (11 starts) for Oakland, and struggled to a 2–6 record and 6.34 ERA with 57 strikeouts across 61.0 innings of work. He hit the Injured List on June 30 with a shoulder strain.[32] On August 2, 2023, it was announced that Kaprielian would miss the remainder of the season after undergoing right shoulderarthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear.[33] On October 12, Kaprielian was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to Triple-A Las Vegas.[34] He elected free agency on November 6.[35]
On June 18, 2024, Kaprielian signed a minor league contract with theToronto Blue Jays.[36] On November 6, he elected free agency.[37]
Kaprielian's mother, Barbara Kaprielian, died of breast cancer in 2014 after her 14-year battle.[38]
Kaprielian is ofArmenian descent.[39]