Former Mitchell standout Tyler Clippard, one of Pasco County's top pitchers before off-field problems ended his senior season early, was drafted Tuesday by the New York Yankees in the ninth round of the amateur draft.

Clippard accepted a scholarship with South Florida, but said his draft position and the chance to play for the Yankees made him choose the professional route.

Clippard, 18, said he did not think his arrest adversely affected his draft status. He entered the draft thinking he'd be taken between the fifth and seventh round, but said the Yankees "never really mentioned" his arrest, even during a personal workout last week.