Clemson's Mitchell bound for Yankees

Mark Crammer
AP

Clemson pitcher D.J. Mitchell, a 10th-round draft pick, has reportedly signed with the New York Yankees.

CLEMSON — Clemson's top returning pitcher won't be returning in 2009.

Multiple sources close to D.J. Mitchell said he has already signed with the New York Yankees and undergone physicals. An announcement from the Yankees could come as early as today.

Mitchell, a right-hander who amassed 106 strikeouts last season as a junior while earning first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors, was a 10th-round draft pick of the Yankees. He was reportedly asking for second-round money to sign.

The Tigers' pitching staff will take a hit with the loss of Mitchell, but the addition of right-hander Scott Weismann could help.

Weismann, of Boxborough, Mass., was drafted in the 18th round by the Detroit Tigers, but he and the club couldn't come to terms.

The deadline for major league teams to sign their draft picks is Friday.

Mitchell could not be reached for comment Monday.

Reach Larry Williams at lwilliams@postandcourier.com and check out the new Clemson blog at charleston.net/blogs/tiger_tracks/