On May 15, 2015, Kaprielian combined with David Berg for the first no-hitter in UCLA history. Kaprielian pitched the first nine innings and Berg pitched the tenth inning to complete the no-hitter.[8]
Professional career
New York Yankees
Kaprielian was considered one of the top prospects for the 2015 MLB draft, and was selected by the New York Yankees in the first round, with the 16th overall selection.[9] He signed with the Yankees, receiving a $2.65 million signing bonus,[10] and spent his first professional season with both the GCL Yankees and Staten Island Yankees, posting a combined 0–1 record and 3.97 ERA in 11+1⁄3 total innings between both teams.[11]
Kaprielian received a non-roster invitation to spring training in 2016.[12][13] He began the season with the Tampa 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 underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament, ending his season.[18]
On November 20, 2018, the Athletics added Kaprielian to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[20] Kaprielian made his debut with the High-A Stockton Ports on May 19, 2019. He accumulated a 4.46 ERA in 36+1⁄3 innings with a 43:8 K-to-BB ratio before the Athletics promoted him to the Double-A Midland 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 the San 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 in San Jose and only pitched in two games of mop-up duty with the Athletics, allowing three runs in 3+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 at Fenway Park against the Boston 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 against San Diego Padres pitcher Chris Paddack.[26] Kaprielian finished the 2021 season with an 8–5 record, a 4.07 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 119+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 the Cleveland Guardians.[28] Following the season, on December 5, Kaprielian underwent surgery to repair his right AC 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 shoulder arthroscopic 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]
Toronto Blue Jays
On June 18, 2024, Kaprielian signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[36]
Personal life
Kaprielian's mother, Barbara Kaprielian, died of breast cancer in 2014 after her 14-year battle.[37]