James Kaprielian (left) with former Beckman principal Adele Heurer and Kaprielian’s father, Doug, at a Beckman football game in 2018. (File photo: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)
Former Beckman High and UCLA pitching star James Kaprielian made his Major League debut in relief Sunday with the Oakland A’s and Patriots coach Kevin Lavalle was among those who were able enjoy the milestone moment watching on an app.
Kaprielian did not pitch in his first trip up with the A’s about two weeks ago, but on Sunday after being called up from San Jose, he pitched two innings against the San Francisco Giants, allowing a home run to Brandon Crawford to start. Kaprielian, who was called upon in the seventh inning, finished strong, striking out one, allowing a hit with one hit batter and one walk in the A’s 15-3 victory. Oakland currently leads the American League West with a 16-6 record.
“I’m obviously very happy for James because I know how hard this whole process has been for him,” Lavalle said Monday. “You see the numbers in regards to how many players are drafted. And then how many players actually make it to the Major Leagues.
“But the thing that people outside the loop don’t understand is that the number one common denominator with people who actually make it to the Major Leagues is health. He is finally healthy and I think now it’s just so much easier for him to go out and perform and let his talent take over.”
Kaprielian thanked those who have supported him on Twitter Sunday.
“Thank you everyone for the continuous support,” he said. “Fortunate to have so many people in my corner and proud to be with the squad.”
Kaprielian was the New York Yankees first round draft pick in 2015 before being traded to the Oakland A’s organization. Kaprielian had a stellar baseball career with Beckman, throwing two no-hitters in 2012 in his senior year before starring at UCLA and being selected as the 16th pick by the Yankees in 2015.
Kaprielian did not pitch this year before Sunday’s debut. Last season he had a combined 4-3 record and a 3.18 ERA in 19 games with Oakland’s Single A Stockton, Double A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas teams. He was recalled Sunday from the A’s alternate site in San Jose to replace Burch Smith, who was put on the 10-day injured list, according to a press release from the A’s.
Later Sunday, the 26-year-old Kaprielian got the chance he was hoping for.
“I saw James and talked to him a lot this spring and early summer and he was just going crazy with anticipation,” Lavalle said. “The A’s are really loaded and I think that is exciting to a player like James. I’ve said it before, the first thing that kid thinks about when he wakes up is winning and he’s part of an organization that now seriously considers winning a World Seres a possibility.
“We’re all proud of him and for me personally, it’s great to feel alive. It’s exciting to have something to worry about.”
Lavalle said he did not know Kaprielian would be pitching until he saw him warming up in the bullpen Sunday.
-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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