Jio Orozco

Salpointe starting pitcher Jio Orozco deals a pitch in the first inning against Sahuaro at Salpointe High School, Tuesday, April 21, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarΒ 

The Seattle Mariners traded Salpointe Catholic gradΒ Jio OrozcoΒ to the Yankees last week, which is an indication of Orozco’s value. The right-hander has struck out 63 batters in 48 Arizona Rookie League innings for the Mariners and last winter was ranked the No. 24 overall prospect in the Seattle system. He was traded with another Mariners prospect for Yankee outfield Triple-A prospectΒ Ben Gamel. Baseball American wrote that Orozco has a fastball that tops out at 95 mph and projects as a β€œpotentially useful major-league reliever.’’


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.