Tom's Sports Blog

Yankees MILB 5/15: Carlos Lagrange Ks 9

Notes:

Minor league news has gone cold.

Scranton (20-20) (Lost to Toledo, 20-7)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, 2B (5), 2 R, K
Since his promotion, Rodriguez is up to .372 with four 3-hit efforts in 24 games. He is on a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-26).
DH-LF Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, 2B (6), HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
The depth piece has three homers in his last four starts.
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, HR (9), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Pereira’s 6th HR in May (9 games). Four hitters are tied for 1st in the International League in homers with 10. Pereira has played fewer games than all of them.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, BB, 3 K
Rumfield has a 6-game hitting streak.
LF-P Jose Rojas: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI, K
C Alex Jackson: 3-for-5, HR (5), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Jackson is 18-for-56 (.321; 2 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 19 RBI) in 16 games.
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-5, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4

RHP Erick Leal: (L, 1-5) 1.2 IP, 4 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 3 HR
RHP Zach Messinger: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, K
Messinger also allowed two of Leal’s runs to score. He owns a 7.20 ERA (30 IP, 39 H, 24 R, 24 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 27 K). This is a year where Messinger can realize his MLB dreams, but it hasn’t been a sharp start.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Reyzelman is surprisingly struggling. He owns a 4.70 ERA in 15.1 IP (9 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 18 K). Walks, walks, walks, WALKS.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
For Scranton: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K. He is still on his rehab stint.
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
2.29 ERA (19.2 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 23 K). His first earned runs allowed since April 6th.
RHP Jose Rojas: 0.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
His fourth career appearance on the hill.

Somerset (15-20) (Split a low-scoring doubleheader against Portland)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-2, SB (3), 2 BB
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, BB, K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, SB (5)
2B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, HBP, K
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, 2 K
Morales’s Double-A debut.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R, 2 K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
.253/.320/.402 in 97 PA. He is 10-for-34 (.294) with a double, two triples, and a homer in May.
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler (L, 2-4): 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
2.87 ERA (37.2 IP, 31 H, 17 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 44 K). A mixed bag today, as he allowed some runs but missed some bats. I like the lack of homers allowed. Also, his BB/9 has fallen from 4.10 last year to 3.11 this year. Can he make his MLB debut in 2025? Yes. There isn’t too much blocking him if there is a need.
RHP Cole Ayers: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.80 ERA (10 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 11 K). Health hasn’t been on his side (29 innings in 3+ seasons), but he has potential if he clears that hurdle.

Game 2 (Won, 3-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
Since promotion: 5-for-25 (7 BB, 5 K, 3-for-3 SB). The hits will start coming.
DH Rafael Flores: 0-for-2, HBP, K
.287/.338/.493 in 148 PA (10 doubles, 6 HR, 24 RBI, 15 R, 3-for-3 SB). I would be unsurprised if he is used as a deal sweetener this summer.
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, RBI, K
.210/.328/.390 in 119 PA (6 doubles, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 15 R, 5-for-6 SB). He has 29 doubles and 16 HR to go along with a 22-for-25 SB rate in 135 minor league games. The issue is the batting average (.212)
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, HR (6), RBI, R, K
I saw the HR on YES – he hit it to the opposite field, which is always nice to see in this organization! He is hitting .266/.326/.484 in 135 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 5.9% BB, 19.3% K). Last season, he owned a 9.8% BB and 24.4% K.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, 2B (4), R, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-2, RBI, K

RHP Brendan Beck: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
1.91 ERA (28.1 IP, 18 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 6 BB, 32 K). Beck is below Schlittler on my depth chart but he was considered a quick rise prospect when he was drafted (injuries, injuries, injuries)
RHP Harrison Cohen (W, 1-2): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.65 ERA (12.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 17 K).
RHP Jordany Ventura (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ventura earns his first career save in his 46th relief appearance.

Hudson Valley (24-11) (Split a low-scoring doubleheader against Aberdeen)

Game 1 (Won, 4-2)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, K
2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-3, 2B (2), K
Since returning from his rehab stint, Riggio is 5-for-25 (2 doubles, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 BB, 8K).
DH Parks Harber: 0-for-3, 2 K
Whatever the cause was for him leaving the game a few days ago was nothing to worry about.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, R, K
His first HR since April 26th.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, 2 BB
3B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, R, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-2, RBI, R, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2

RHP Ben Hess (W, 3-2): 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
3.23 ERA (30.2 IP, 15 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 45 K). He is third in the South Atlantic League in strikeouts. His control hasn’t been sharp yet, but the overall performance is encouraging.
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Between here and Tampa: 13.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 18 K. He continues to put up zeroes.
RHP Huey Morrill (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 2-0)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, K
.238/.347/.385 in 147 PA. His average and OBP are similar to his April totals, but his power has fallen. Ebbs and flows.
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3
.219/.323/.343 in 133 PA. Castillo is only 6-for-45 in May (.275/.370/.420 in April)
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3
.277/.379/.471 in 140 PA (5 doubles, 6 HR, 25 RBI, 21 R, 13.6% BB, 28.6% K).
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-2, BB
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-1, BB
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-1, 2B (5), HBP
Frick earns their only hit in Game 2.
RF Luis Durango: 0-for-2
1B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-2

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 3-2) 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, HR
3.45 ERA (31.1 IP, 23 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 50 K). He leads the South Atlantic League in strikeouts. Lagrange has an impressive 50/7 K BB over 31.1 IP after compiling a 27/20 rate over 21 IP last year. His K% is up while his BB% has fallen considerably. If you aren’t encouraged about this, check your status as a prospect follower because you are too harsh.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.95 ERA (13.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 19 K). It’s his first season as a reliever only.

Tampa (18-19) (Shut down Palm Beach, 8-0. The Tarpons are hot)

C Edgleen Perez: 3-for-4, RBI, R, BB
.229/.397/.267 in 136 PA (4 doubles, 12 RBI, 16 R, 3-for-4 SB, 19.9% BB, 22.1% K). Perez (18) is starting to figure things out. He is 14-for-49 (.286/.426/.347; 3 doubles, 10 BB, 10 K) in May.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, RBI, K
SS Juan Matheus: 3-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R
This follows his 6-for-6 doubleheader on Wednesday. His remarkable run (11-for-14 over his last four games) has spiked his triple slash to .308/.365/.374. Before this stretch, he was hitting .237/.318/.301. Matheus (21) hit .303/.421/.463 in 54 games last season, so low-level offense hasn’t been an issue.
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
.295/.389/.436 in 90 PA. He has three doubles and a triple during a 5-game hitting streak.
3B Owen Cobb: 3-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, R, K
Cobb is auditioning for a promotion. He is hitting .462/.511/.923 (yes, that’s his slugging percentage) in 45 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 16 R, 5-for-6 SB). To make this even more fun: He started the season 0-for-6.

LHP Tanner Bauman: (W, 1-3) 5 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
7.33 ERA (27 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 22 ER, 1 HR, 24 BB, 24 K). A solid effort for Bauman, who earns his first professional win.
RHP Sean Hermann: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.00 ERA (18 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 19 K)
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K

FCL (5-4) (Lost to the Phillies, 3-2, in ten innings. The game was tied 0-0 entering the 10th)

DH Brando Mayea: 0-for-5, K
Good or bad, I will always report on what Mayea is doing…
CF Cam Eden: 1-for-3, SB (1)
Whenever a minor league veteran is rehabbing in the FCL, I want them to leave ASAP. The playing time can be useful to others.
PH-LF-RF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-2
RF Brennen Davis: 0-for-4, K
See Eden, Cam.
LF-CF Isael Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (4), K
1B Johan Contreras: 1-for-3, 2B (2), BB, 2 K
2B Gabriel Terrero: 4-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, SB (3)
Terrero’s second career 4-hit effort. He has ten career homers, seven of which came in 2023.

RHP Omar Gonzalez: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Sunayro Martina: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Chance Nolan: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
It’s the former college quarterback’s second career appearance (2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K)

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/14: Juan Matheus Goes 6-for-6

Notes:

There is nothing new.

Injury Log

Scranton (20-19) (Defeated Toledo, 5-4)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2B (4), R
Since promotion: .358/.471/.469 in 102 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 21 R, 17.6% BB, 11.8% K). His career triple slash sits at .309/.397/.467 in 1,300 plate appearances. He hits, hits, hits and is on a 6-game hitting streak.
LF Cooper Hummel: 2-for-4, R, SB (1)
DH Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, R, BB
.289/.381/.567 in 105 PA (1 double, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 25 R, 3-for-3 SB, 12.4% BB, 31.4% K). The K% is slowly falling.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
.305/.404/.534 in 141 PA (9 doubles, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 27 R, 2-for-3 SB, 12.1% BB, 18.4% K). He is 15-for-31 (.484/.528/.742) in May with a pair of doubles and homers.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K
Since the Yankees claimed him, he has gone 4-for-33 (.121) with a homer, three walks, and 12 strikeouts.
3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
3B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-1
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, SB (3), K
.203/.338/.344 in 78 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R, 3-for-3 SB).
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
LHP Brent Headrick (W, 2-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
4.15 ERA (8.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 5 K)
RHP Sean Boyle (S, 1): 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, HR
Boyle’s 5th career save. Season: 4.28 ERA (40 IP, 33 H, 22 R, 19 ER, 6 HR, 14 BB, 45 K)

Somerset (14-19)

Their game against Portland was postponed. They will attempt to make it up on June 11th. They have a doubleheader scheduled for tomorrow (makeup of Tuesday’s game).

Hudson Valley (23-10)

Their game against Aberdeen was postponed. They will attempt to play two tomorrow.

Tampa (17-19) (Scored 21 runs in a doubleheader sweep of Palm Beach)

Game 1 (Won, 9-2)

DH Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, R, K
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 R
Urena’s first HR since April 19th (at the time, he had hit three HR in four games).
SS Juan Matheus: 4-for-4, RBI, 2 R
Matheus compiles his first career 4-hit game.
RF Austin Green: 2-for-2, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, HBP, BB
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, R, K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (4), R
3B Owen Cobb: 1-for-3, HR (3), 3 RBI, R, K
9 extra-base hits in 10 games this season (4 (all doubles) in 18 games last year).

LHP Griffin Herring: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
1.40 ERA (38.2 IP, 24 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 48 K). Herring is averaging 87 pitches per start (77 today).
RHP Gus Hughes (W, 3-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cade Austin: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.21 ERA (14 IP, 14 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 12 K)

Game 2 (Won, 12-4)

C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, R
Watch out once his offensive game (beyond the walks) starts improving.
DH Engelth Urena: 2-for-3, 2 R, BB
Urena entered the doubleheader 7-for-36 in May.
CF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-3, 2B (7), HR (5), 2 RBI, 3 R, BB
Lewis is 13-for-42 (.310; 3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 14 R) in 11 May contests (.167/.244/.256 in April)
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-2, 2 SF, 2 RBI, R
Matheus is hitting .291 with a .702 OPS and is 8-for-10 in his last three games (his OPS was .619 before that).
2B Austin Green: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, 2B (2), HR (1), 4 RBI, R, 2 K
Wilson sets a personal best for RBI in a game.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB
LF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
SS Owen Cobb: 2-for-3, R
Cobb didn’t add to his extra-base hit totals, but the raking continues. He is 15-for-35 (.429).

RHP Danny Flatt: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.43 ERA (22.1 IP, 21 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 20 K)
RHP Jack Sokol (W, 1-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Sokol’s first professional win. Season: 3.55 ERA (12.2 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 12 K)
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
2.75 ERA (19.2 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)

FCL (5-3)

Day off.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/13: Omar Martinez: 4 Hits, HR

Notes:

The Yankees signed RHP Anthony DeSclafani to a minor league contract and assigned him to Scranton.

The 35-year-old has 180 games (169 starts) of MLB experience from 2014 to 2023. He is 54-56 in those appearances with a 4.20 ERA (4.16 FIP). He has pitched for the Marlins, Reds, and Giants. In 2023, he posted a 4.88 ERA (4.35 FIP) over 99.2 innings with an 18.9% K/4.8% BB/41.5% GB. The Twins signed him in 2024, but he missed the season due to an elbow injury.

The Yankees need depth, and he provides that. He isn’t exciting, but he can provide some innings, if needed.

As a fun sidenote, he was a part of the 12-player trade between the Marlins and Blue Jays in 2012. The notable names in that deal were Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, and Josh Johnson.

George Lombard Jr. was the highest riser in the MLB Pipeline update, which is (very) good news. The bad news is that none of their other prospects are on the list. I think the system is in a down period. I am never afraid to say that. Whether or not the next wave of pitchers in Hudson Valley/Tampa can improve that standing is to be determined. Whether some bats beyond Lombard Jr. can emerge to ease the pain is to be determined. We may not get those answers until later this year and into 2026.

Injury Log

Scranton (19-19) (Lost to Toledo, 7-0. The game was shortened due to rain after eight innings)

DH Cooper Hummel: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, K
Rodriguez is on a 5-game hitting streak and is 11-for-34 in May with six walks and three strikeouts.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3
.304/.401/.513 in 137 PA (9 doubles, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 25 R). He is 14-for-28 in May.
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-3
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-2, BB
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3

RHP Carlos Carrasco: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Carrasco’s first Scranton appearance.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Loaisiga needed only 12 pitches in another efficient outing. His sinker reached 95.8 MPH.
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Beeter needed 17 pitches (12 strikes). He reached 96.2 MPH and generated four whiffs with his fastball/slider combo.
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
A struggle for Rodriguez, though he reached 98.8 MPH with his 4-seamer (averaged 97.8)
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The skies opened up before Reyzelman threw a pitch.

Somerset (14-19)

Their game against Portland was postponed. They will attempt to make it up on Thursday.

Hudson Valley (23-10) (Lost to Aberdeen, 7-6, in 10 innings)

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, R, SB (15), BB
Jones seems to do something in every game.
DH Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, 3 K
1B Parks Harber: 1-for-2, RBI, R, K
I am not sure why Harber left the game.
1B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-2, BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-5, RBI, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 4-for-5, HR (6), 2 RBI, R
Martinez is 17-for-39 (.436) in May (3 doubles, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 12 R, 7 BB, 9 K). This was his second 4-hit effort this month.
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-5, 3 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-1, 2B (6), R, 4 BB
Reaching base five times will always impress.
CF Luis Durango: 2-for-4, R, HBP, 2 K
Durango’s rehab stint is over. This is the 22-year-old’s High-A debut. If you don’t remember, the Yankees chose him in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft last winter (Cleveland).

LHP Kyle Carr: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
3.20 ERA (25.1 IP, 20 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 19 K). A mixed bag of stuff in his 2025 profile.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.56 ERA (16 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 22 K). Warrecker is dominating out of the pen.
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.68 ERA (14.2 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 19 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia (L, 0-2): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (15-19) (Defeated Palm Beach, 9-1)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, R, CS (1), 2 BB, 2 K
.196/.378/.227 in 127 PA. His patient approach is apparent.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, 3B (2), RBI, R, BB, K
.204/.280/.398 in 125 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 18 R, 7-for-8 SB). We know Lewis has speed. It’s good to see some pop showing up as well. Yes, the bat tool needs more work. That’s why he is here.
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, CS (5), 2 K
RF Austin Green: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, R
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, R, BB, 2 K
2B Hans Montero: 2-for-4, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 R, K
Montero’s first career multi-HR game (also tied his best for RBI)
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (3), R, BB, K
.294/.392/.426 in 79 PA (3 doubles, 3 triples, 5 RBI, 13 R, 7-for-7 SB).
3B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, K
8 of Cobb’s 12 hits have gone for extra bases (5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR)

RHP Andrew Landry (W, 1-3): 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
A much-needed performance for Landry (easily the best in his young career)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Sandridge is on a rehab stint from Scranton. The 26-year-old was signed to a minor league contract last winter. Throughout his minor league career, Sandridge has struck out 303 hitters in 205.2 innings. The issue? He has allowed 168 walks. To give you an example of his insanity, he struck out 95 and walked 49 in 61 innings last year.
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
1.98 ERA (13.2 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 22 K)
RHP Brandon Decker: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 17 K). Veach and Decker are shining in their debut campaigns and should be promotion candidates sometime this year.

FCL (5-3) (Split a doubleheader against the Tigers)

Game 1 (Lost, 7-3)

LF Brando Mayea: 1-for-3, R, K
RF Brennen Davis: 2-for-3, 2B (1), HR (2), RBI, R, SB (1)
As I like to say, Davis hitting in the FCL is like a high schooler in a Little League game. He shouldn’t be here much longer.
CF Cam Eden: 0-for-2, K
The speedy depth piece is on a rehab stint.
CF Isael Arias: 1-for-1, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
The 19-year-old hit one HR in 38 games in the DSL last year (his professional debut).
SS Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, CS (1)

RHP J.T. Etheridge: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
Etheridge has 17 strikeouts in 8.1 innings. Yes, he is too old for this level and shouldn’t be here long.

Game 2 (Won, 6-0)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, K
.321/.424/.536 in 33 PA. He is on a 7-game hitting streak.
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R
3B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-3, RBI
9-for-24. He has hit safely in all six of his games.
LF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R
Lara hitting his first HR before stealing a base is a story in its own right.

LHP Xavier Rivas: 4.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Rivas’s first two professional appearances: 8.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 13 K. He was their 16th-round pick in the 2024 draft (Ole Miss).
RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 2-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/11: A Day for Pitchers

Notes:

A quiet weekend for notes.

Injury Log

Scranton (19-18) (Rolled past Rochester, 12-0)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: .356/.479/.466 in 94 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 20 R, 5-for-5 SB, 18 BB, 11 K). 20 runs in 21 games. His teammates must appreciate the RBI opportunities.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 1-for-4, RBI, R, CS (1), BB
LeMahieu is 12-for-27 (.444) on his rehab stint. I am unsure when the Yankees will bring him up from his rehab stint, but inserting him into the same picture as Aaron Judge and Juan Soto for the Subway Series will only add to the hype.
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB, 2 K
.287/.376/.575 in 101 PA (1 double, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 24 R, 3-for-3 SB, 11.9% BB, 32.7% K). Like Rodriguez, he creates opportunities for his teammates, as his 24 runs have come in 24 games.
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-3, HR (4), SF, 4 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Jackson has four home runs in his last eight games.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, R, HBP, 2 K
1B Dominic Smith: 2-for-3, HR (4), SF, 3 RBI, R, K
Smith has homered in back-to-back games and is 10-for-28 (.357) in May.
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB
3B Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, R, SB (2)
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (9), BB

RHP Allan Winans (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
0.00 ERA (19 IP, 13 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 27 K). In the starting pitcher depth chart competition, it’s hard to deny that Winans has impressed the most. The lone negative is that this was the first time he went 5+ innings this season.
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
16 pitches/10 strikes. He has to be close.
RHP Jake Woodford: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.33 ERA (24.1 IP, 27 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 5 HR, 10 BB, 21 K). This is his first relief appearance in 2025.

Somerset (14-19) (Lost to Akron, 2-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, BB, K
4-for-21 since his promotion, with four walks and four strikeouts.
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-4, R
.290/.333/.504 in 104 PA (10 doubles, 6 HR, 24 RBI, 15 R, 3-for-3 SB, 6.4% BB, 31.2% K). I wouldn’t be surprised if Flores, Rule 5 eligible this winter, is traded this summer.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, K
.269/.326/.471 in 129 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 18 R, 6.2% BB, 18.6% K). He is on a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-21, 2 doubles, 3 RBI)
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, SB (2)
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
8-for-51 since his promotion (.157/.214/.176 with a double, four walks, and 19 strikeouts)

RHP Bailey Dees: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
4.82 ERA (28 IP, 27 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 33 K). Solid performance for Dees, who hopefully can get on a roll.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin (L, 1-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
His season won’t be perfect: 1.69 ERA (10.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 9 K)

Hudson Valley (23-9) (Defeated Wilmington, 9-1. They take 5-out-of-6 in the series by a 45-10 margin)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (14), 3 BB, K
.248/.360/.407 in 136 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 26 R, 14-for-17 SB, 13.97% BB, 17.6% K). He’s doing what you want leadoff hitters to do.
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
Riggio won’t overwhelm you with power, but he has sneaky pop (43 extra-base hits in 2024 (27 doubles, 5 triples, 11 HR)).
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: .333/.396/.521 in 53 PA. He is on a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-32, 3 doubles, 1 HR)
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-5, 3 K
.264/.364/.445 in 129 PA. Martinez is 0-for-8 since his insane hitting streak, which is as baseball as baseball can be.
DH Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, R, SB (3), CS (1), 2 BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, BB
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, 2B (3), R, BB, 2 K
Hall is on a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-20)

RHP Bryce Cunningham (W, 4-1): 6.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
1.98 ERA (36.1 IP, 28 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 38 K). Cunningham continues to cruise (he allowed five runs in the first inning on 4/13. Beyond that, nobody has touched him)
RHP Chris Kean: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.32 ERA (13.2 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 12 K)
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Between here and Tampa: 12.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 18 K. I think Somerset will call his name sometime this season.

Tampa (14-19) (Lost to Daytona, 2-1)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, BB
.202/.377/.234 in 122 PA (3 doubles, 10 RBI, 13 R, 3-for-3 SB, 19.7% BB, 22.95% K). I don’t expect an 18-year-old to show off big power in Low-A. There is a good chance he will be here for two seasons.
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, 2 K
.200/.273/.382 in 121 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 17 R, 7-for-8 SB, 8.3% BB, 28.9% K).
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, SB (9)
.237/.318/.301 in 110 PA (6 doubles, 15 RBI, 9 R, 9-for-13 SB, 11.8% BB, 21.8% K).
2B Austin Green: 0-for-2, SB (4), 2 BB
DH Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, K
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (3), CS (2)
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2, 3B (3), R, BB
.292/.387/.415 in 75 PA (2 doubles, 3 triples, 5 RBI, 12 R, 7-for-7 SB, 13.3% BB, 28% K). He has six multi-hit efforts in his last 12 games.
SS Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, RBI, K
Cobb’s .500 pace is over! He is now 11-for-25.

RHP Gage Ziehl: 6.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
4.08 ERA (17.2 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 9 K). This was his first start since making an emergency start for Somerset. Hopefully, he can build off this effort.
RHP Cade Austin: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Brady Kirtner (L, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
Kirtner struck out four in a row before allowing a walk-off HR. Season: 1.93 ERA (18.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 18 K)

FCL (4-2)

Day off.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/10: Everson Pereira is Scorching

Notes:

I have nothing to offer you.

Injury Log

Scranton (18-18) (Split a doubleheader against Rochester)

Game 1 (Won, 7-6, in 8 innings)

DH Cooper Hummel: 1-for-4
The veteran was activated off the injured list today.
PR-DH Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, R, HBP, K
PR Ismael Munguia: 0-for-0, R
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-3, HR (3, grand slam), 4 RBI, R, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Alex Jackson: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
.311/.436/.600 in 55 PA (3 HR, 13 RBI). It is a good idea to keep an eye on the #3 catcher on the depth chart.
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-3, 2B (1), R

RHP Zach McAllister: 3 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
The tough start to his 2025 campaign continues.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
2.45 ERA (14.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 17 K). Solid ERA, but the walks are worrisome. I don’t care if a dominant reliever walks some hitters (Dellin Betances, for example). But you better be dominant if you are going to carry a high BB rate.
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
23 pitches/13 strikes. Beeter has options, so the Yankees can option him to this level when his rehab is complete (if they don’t have a slot for him in MLB).
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.21 ERA (14 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 14 K)
RHP Wilking Rodriguez (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 5-4)

DH Everson Pereira: 1-for-2, HR (8), RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
.301/.385/.602 in 96 PA. Pereira is on a 7-game hitting streak (10-for-23 with five home runs). When Pereira hits a hot streak, they tend to be crazy.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 2-for-4, K
The rumors are out there that LeMahieu will be back in time for the Mariners’ series. As the likely everyday Yankees’ 2B, this scares me considerably. But what can you do?
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, HR (5), SF, 2 RBI, R, SB (2)
.295/.396/.509 in 134 PA (9 doubles, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 25 R, 11.9% BB, 19.4% K). The Yankees haven’t used him and he slipped through the Rule 5. That is telling, but I bet he gets an opportunity somewhere. After all, eventually Andres Chaparro and Eric Wagaman received opportunities.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, RBI
Rodriguez is hitting .357/.472/.443 in 89 PA since his promotion. Can a player outplay their scouting report? The answer is yes. I just can’t ignore someone who continues to hit like Rodriguez does.
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-4
3B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-3, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Erick Leal (L, 1-4): 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.98 ERA (18.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 22 K). He is pitching well, though he isn’t overpowering (averaged 92.3 MPH with his 4-seamer today).
RHP Colten Brewer: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (14-18) (Shut down Akron, 5-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (2), BB
4-for-18 since promotion (2 RBI, 3 R, 2-for-2 SB, 3 BB, 3 K). He still needs to fill the extra-base hit column, but he is not showing signs of being overwhelmed here. His overall triple slash sits at .310/.470/.440 in 132 PA with more walks (26) than strikeouts (25).
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
.270/.328/.470 in 125 PA. He has three multi-hit efforts in his last six games.
CF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Richardson is bouncing back and forth between Somerset and Scranton. He has three HR between the two levels.
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, BB
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, R, K
LF Tyler Hardman: 1-for-5, 2 K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-4, R, K
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, SAC, SB (1), K

RHP Trent Sellers (W, 1-1): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
3.21 ERA (28 IP, 15 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 37 K). He isn’t talked about often, but is it time to count him amongst the Yankees’ pitching depth? The 25-year-old has pitched well since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Like Beeter, Effross has minor league options.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
After initially struggling here, Vinyard has back-to-back scoreless appearances. It’s a start.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (22-9) (Defeated Wilmington, 5-2, in ten innings)

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, R, BB, K
Jones has a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-24)
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 2 R, BB
1B Parks Harber: 2-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, BB
The raking continues for Harber, who is 15-for-44 (.341/.396/.477) since his promotion and .319/.412/.522 in 131 PA overall. He has three consecutive 2-hit efforts (four in his last five games)
LF Coby Morales: 3-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, CS (2), K
.242/.342/.421 in 111 PA.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-5
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, CS (2), 2 BB, K
The 9-game hitting streak is over, but he draws a pair of walks to increase the on-base streak to ten.
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, SB (2)
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, 3B (1), BB
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, 2 R, HBP, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 4 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
1.97 ERA (32 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 41 K). He needed 89 pitches to get 12 outs today, but damage was limited.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Sebastian Keane: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
0.66 ERA (13.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 20 K). The 6’8″ Warrecker is a beast out of the bullpen. Will they ask him to start again, or let him stay in this role?
RHP Matt Keating (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.79 ERA (9.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 7 K)

Tampa (14-18) (Defeated Daytona, 10-7, in 10 innings)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, 2B (3), R, 2 BB
Perez is 9-for-35 (.257) with a pair of doubles, five runs, and six walks in May.
CF Brian Sanchez: 3-for-5, 2B (10), 4 RBI, 2 SB (8), BB
Sanchez hit a big 3-run double in the 10th. His ten doubles are tops in the Florida State League, and he has four straight multi-hit games (9-for-18 – 1 double, 2 triples, 10 RBI, 4 R, 3 BB, 1 K, 3 SB). Sanchez has been a fun surprise since the Yankees acquired him.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS Juan Matheus: 0-for-5, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, SB (9), BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 3B (1), R, BB
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
2B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, 2B (2), 3 R, SB (5), 2 BB
3B Owen Cobb: 2-for-4, 2B (5), HR (2), SF, 4 RBI, 2 R, K
Cobb maintains his .500 pace (11-for-22, 5 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 13 R, 5-for-6 SB, 5 BB, 4 K). That is an insane start to anyone’s season.

RHP Greysen Carter: 2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 R, 4 BB, 2 K
The only way he will learn is by throwing him out there.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Sean Hermann: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.25 ERA (16 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 17 K)
RHP Jackson Fristoe: (W, 2-1) 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
6.38 ERA (18.1 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 10 BB, 15 K)

FCL (4-2) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 4-3, walk-off style. What kind of walk-off? How about a walk-off steal of home? Oh, how I love the rookie leagues!)

CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-2, R, SB (3), BB
Mayea is 7-for-22 (.318) and has hit safely in five straight games. Encouraging.
LF Isael Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (3), 2 R, SB (3), K
Arias stole home to win the game. It was a straight steal.
RF Brennen Davis: 2-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, BB
The rehabbing Davis hits his first HR as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
1B John Cristino: 1-for-2, BB, K
The 25-year-old out of Towson makes his professional debut. The Yankees signed him in March. He is a local kid out of Voorhees, NJ.

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
The 21-year-old pitched in six games for the DSL in 2024, and it wasn’t pretty. It’s a new year!
RHP Josh Tiedemann: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
The 13th round pick in 2023 (High School) in 20 years old. He has only 5.2 innings of professional experience.
RHP Alexis Paulino: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/9: George Lombard Jr.’s Multi-Hit Effort

Notes:

OF Jace Avina was placed on the 7-day injured list for Hudson Valley. The 21-year-old, acquired in December 2023 from the Brewers along with OF Brian Sanchez for OF Jake Bauers, is hitting .308/.443/.418 (154 wRC+) with a 15.7% BB and 22.6% K. He is Rule 5 eligible this winter.

It’s Mother’s Day weekend. Expect delays in my reports on Saturday and Sunday with little (if any) real-time BlueSky updates.

Due to some feedback, I have updated the injury log below. It is now sorted by last name, with the Top 30 organizational prospects listed at the top.

Injury Log

Scranton (17-17) (Their game against Rochester was canceled, and they will not make it up. They are making up the Thursday rainout with a doubleheader tomorrow. They posted the lineup (same as yesterday’s), and it is below.)

CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-0
2B DJ LeMahieu: 0-for-0
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-0
C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-0
When Jasson Dominguez “graduated,” Pipeline moved Rodriguez into the Top 30. The report wasn’t flattering, as they portray him as a prospect with an extremely aggressive approach at the plate. Additionally, while the Yankees play him at multiple positions, he supposedly isn’t all that good at any of them. Some would argue that a good offensive utility player is worth potentially bad defense. I agree with that notion, but Rodriguez has to prove he is a viable offensive player. I don’t hide behind the fact that I am bullish because he continues to hit, even if the approach isn’t perfect. I can’t claim is that it will translate at the highest level. I have no idea.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-0
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-0
3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-0
DH Alex Jackson: 0-for-0
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-0

RHP Zach McAllister: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Until the Yankees find starters, McAllister can put himself on the map for spot starts. However, he hasn’t pitched well thus far.

Somerset (13-18) (Defeated Akron, 7-6, in 11 innings)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, RBI, 3 R, SB (1), BB
Lombard Jr. playing second base two days in a row may raise an eyebrow. Do I think it is meaningful for the 2025 Yankees? No. He is 3-for-15 with two walks and three strikeouts since his promotion. Overall, he is 12-for-14 stealing bases.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-5, K
DH Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, 2 K
Jasso’s first extra-base hit in May (11 in April). He didn’t compile an extra-base hit in his first five April games before getting hot. Maybe this will spark another streak.
CF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, 2B (6), SF, 2 RBI, R, K
I like it when a player has a good game the night after I bring up their low BABIP (.200 entering tonight).
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
LF Tyler Hardman: 1-for-5, 2 K
2B Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, R, BB, K
Vargas is 9-for-25 (.360) with a double and a pair of triples in May.
SS Max Burt: 1-for-5, 2B (4), 2 RBI, 2 K
His 2-run double in the 11th provided the winning margin.
1B Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-4, SAC, 3 K
The 20-year-old C/1B is here because they need a body. He has never played above Low-A Tampa before his three Double-A games this year.

RHP Baron Stuart: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Jordany Ventura (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen (S, 2): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.09 ERA (11 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 15 K)

Hudson Valley (21-9) (Defeated Wilmington, 4-1. This sometimes comes up, and I will address it: Wilmington is not good. Their offense is the worst in the South Atlantic League, and their pitching isn’t much better. While context is important in sports, these are prospects working on their craft. I will celebrate their successes without worrying about how good the competition is. If the prospects aren’t good enough, that will show itself in time.)

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, R, BB, K
.252/.349/.421 in 126 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 23 R, 13-for-16 SB, 11.9% BB, 17.5% K). Jones has 36 RBI and 39 runs in 50 career games.
DH Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
3B Parks Harber: 2-for-5, 2B (2), CS (1), K
Since promotion: .325/.372/.450 in 43 PA. Overall, he is hitting .312/.405/.514 in 126 PA. Don’t rule out a second promotion this season.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, BB, K
LF Coby Morales: 2-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
Martinez has a 9-game hitting streak (15-for-34; 3 doubles, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 14 R, 7 BB, 9 K). This is not a “garden variety” hitting streak.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, RBI, R, SB (6), BB, K
Escanio is doing a good job getting on base (.404 OBP), and his teammates are converting that into runs (20 runs in 24 games).

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 2-1) 6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
4.30 ERA (23 IP, 21 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 31 K)
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
4.26 ERA (12.2 IP, 11 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 16 K).
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.50 ERA (8 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 12 K)

Tampa (13-18) (Lost to Daytona, 7-2, in a lightning-shortened 7-inning game)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
.207/.375/.230 in 112 PA.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-2, 3B (1), HR (4), RBI, 2 R, BB
May: 9-for-28 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 3 BB, 8 K).
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (4), K
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-3
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, SB (7), 2 K
Gonzalez has stolen a base in three straight games.
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
His second rehab start (first one was in the FCL) went fine. He should be back in Somerset soon.
LHP Tanner Bauman: (L, 0-3) 2.2 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
It’s been a struggle for Bauman. All you can do is keep throwing him out there.

FCL (3-2) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 6-5, in an 8-inning game (extra innings). In the FCL, teams can determine whether to play a 7-inning or 9-inning game before it begins. We’ve started to see this at other levels after long rain delays.)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K
Mayea’s first home run since August 19, 2023. He is 5-for-20 with three doubles and a homer.
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, R, SB (1), BB, K
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-2, R, CI, BB, K
1B Johan Contreras: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, K
3B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
After hitting .321/.421/.420 in 36 games here last season, he is 5-for-15 in 2025.

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
Marquez (20) pitched to a 3.45 ERA in 12 starts for the DSL squad last season (50/20 K/BB over 44.1 IP)
RHP Chance Nolan: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
This is the professional debut for the 25-year-old. This is a fun story, as Nolan was an Oregon State quarterback from 2020 to 2022. Last year, he pitched for NAIA Morningside. He pitched only 3.1 innings (3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 9 BB, 3 K). I would love to hear his full story, because it is a leap to go from college quarterback to NAIA pitcher (for only seven games) to affiliated baseball. According to this article, he touched 97 MPH while at Morningside.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/8: Ben Hess Dominates

Notes:

OF Brennen Davis started his rehab stint in the FCL today. Once a top prospect for the Cubs (Baseball America ranked him 16th in 2022, and he played in the 2021 Futures Game), injuries have slowed him down. In 2021, as a 21-year-old trying Double-A for the first time, he hit an impressive .252/.367/.474 (134 wRC+) in 76 games with 13 homers and 36 RBI.

Injuries are a part of the game, and Davis can’t shake the bug. The Yankees signed him, hoping to tap into what he once was. Last season, in Triple-A Iowa, he hit .214/.359/.469 (110 wRC+) in 181 plate appearances with 11 home runs.

When his rehab is over, he’ll join Everson Pereira and Bryan De La Cruz as right-handed hitting outfield depth.

RHP Jon Olsen was signed to a minor league contract and assigned to Somerset. The 27-year-old was a 12th-round pick by the Twins in 2018, but was out of the organization in 2022. After not pitching in 2023, he ended up in the Independent Atlantic League in 2024, where he compiled a 12-3 record with a 3.60 ERA in 127.2 IP for York. This season, he pitched in the Mexican League, where he was 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in three starts (17 IP) with a 19/6 K/BB. For now, he is organizational depth. We’ll monitor his progress.

RHP Carlos Carrasco cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Scranton. I have no problem with that, as they need the pitching depth.

Due to some feedback, I have updated the injury log below. It is now sorted by last name, with the Top 30 organizational prospects listed at the top.

Injury Log

Scranton (17-17) (After waiting for 3+ hours, they postponed this game against Rochester due to rain. Weird that they waited so long. The lineup was provided and is below.)

CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-0
2B DJ LeMahieu: 0-for-0
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-0
C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-0
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-0
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-0
3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-0
DH Alex Jackson: 0-for-0
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-0

RHP Zach McAllister: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Until the Yankees find starters, McAllister can put himself on the map for spot starts. However, he hasn’t pitched well thus far.

Somerset (12-18) (Lost to Akron, 5-0. Somerset has suffered three straight shutouts since George Lombard Jr.‘s promotion. The kid is going to develop a complex)

3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, K
2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
1-for-11 with a walk and three strikeouts. This is his second start at second base this season (24 at SS; 1 at 3B)
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, K
Flores hasn’t drawn a walk in seven May games (9 in 23 April games)
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, 2 K
.195/.340/.402 in 100 PA. Martin has a .200 BABIP, which should normalize.
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, K
RF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, BB
With Spencer Jones and Cole Gabrielson on the injured list, Familia should see extended playing time.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
SS Max Burt: 1-for-2, BB

RHP Brendan Beck: (L, 2-1) 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K (personal best)
2.28 ERA (23.2 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 26 K). The start to Beck’s season is encouraging.
LHP Will Brian: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Brian allowed two of Beck’s runners to score before tossing a clean 6th inning. Since promotion: 9 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
9.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K. If you want to get yourself on the radar, throw up a bunch of zeroes in your first eight Double-A games.

Hudson Valley (20-9) (Walloped Wilmington, 12-1. It’s their second straight 12-1 triumph)

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-6, RBI, R, SB (13)
Jones is 31-for-34 (91.2%) stealing bases in 49 career games.
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 R, SB (4), BB
.255/.366/.372 in 112 PA. He has back-to-back multi-hit efforts after a 1-for-15 start to May.
3B Parks Harber: 2-for-5, RBI, 3 R, BB, K
Harber is hitting .314 (11-for-35) since his promotion (he has hit safely in seven of eight games).
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 R, HBP, BB, K
Martinez has homered in three straight games. In six May games: 12-for-23 (3 doubles, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 4 BB, 4 K). He is up to .283/.374/.485 in 115 PA. I would consider swapping him and Antonio Gomez.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-5, BB, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-5, 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, R, 2 BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, K

RHP Ben Hess: (W, 2-2) 6.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Hess has three 9-strikeout efforts this season. He lost the no-hitter with no outs in the 7th, but instantly generated a ground ball double play before leaving. He tossed 88 pitches (63 strikes). Season: 3.24 ERA (25 IP, 12 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 39 K). The spotlight will be brighter on Hess, since he was their first-round pick in 2024. He is performing well.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K. Overall: 11.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 18 K. That’s how you make an impression in your first professional campaign.

Tampa (13-17) (Swept a doubleheader against Daytona)

Game 1 (Won, 13-2. 13 runs, 11 hits, 10 walks)

C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-5, RBI
Perez hits the .200 mark for the first time since April 6th.
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RBI, 2 R, CS (3), BB, K
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, 2 R, BB, K
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, R, BB, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, R, BB
2B Austin Green: 0-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (6), BB
.159/.286/.261 in 84 PA.
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 R, SB (4), BB, K
.240/.356/.328 in 59 PA.

LHP Griffin Herring: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
1.04 ERA (34.2 IP, 20 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 44 K). The Max Fried of the Florida State League (it’s a joke, don’t take it seriously) allows more than one run for the first time in his 6-start career.
RHP Brady Kirtner (W, 2-0): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.56 ERA (17.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 14 K)
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.13 ERA (12.2 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)

Game 2 (Won, 6-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 2-for-4, RBI, HBP, K
I love that they keep throwing him out there, even if he caught the first game of a doubleheader. He needs reps, reps, reps. His batting average is now .214.
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, BB
Sanchez is having himself a doubleheader (4-for-8, 3B, 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB). He has three straight multi-hit efforts.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB
Drawing walks is nothing new for Urena (49 in 322 career plate appearances; 15.2%)
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, R, 2 K
Lewis has two doubles and two homers in six May games (five extra-base hits in 21 April games)
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 3B (2), 2 K
Toole’s third straight 2-hit effort (6-for-11, 1 double, 2 triples).
SS Owen Cobb: 2-for-3, 2B (4), 2 R, CS (1), BB
9-for-18 with four doubles, a homer, 10 runs, and a 6-for-7 stolen base rate.

RHP Danny Flatt: (W, 1-2) 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
The rain delay (which occurred in the second inning) wasn’t long enough to knock Flatt out of the game, which worked well for him. Nobody wants a wasted start. Season: 5.40 ERA (18.1 IP, 19 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 15 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.22 ERA (10.2 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 10 K)
RHP Cade Austin (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (3-1) (Defeated the Phillies, 3-1. I told you they keep playing the same teams!)

DH Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, R, SB (2), CS (2), BB, K
Mayea has three doubles in four games (4 extra-base hits (2 doubles, 2 triples) in 35 games at this level in 2024). I don’t worry about stolen base rates in the low minors – if a kid has speed, they learn by running.
CF Isael Arias: 2-for-5, RBI, SB (2)
5-for-15
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-2, K
His first rehab game.
RF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-2, CS (1)
SS Santiago Gomez: 2-for-4, R

RHP Omar Gonzalez: 3.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Only 19, Gonzalez has spent four years in the rookie leagues. However, he has compiled only 58.1 innings (28 hits, 42 BB, 80 K)
RHP Sunayro Martina (W, 1-1): 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
LHP Franyer Herrera (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Herrera’s first career save.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/7: Everson Pereira Walks it Off

Notes:

Jonathan Loaisiga‘s rehab was moved to Scranton today. He tossed a pair of scoreless innings.

Injury Log

Scranton (17-17) (Split a doubleheader against Rochester)

Game 1 (Won, 5-3, on a walk-off blast by Everson Pereira. Scranton hit three home runs in the bottom of the 7th to take the win)

LF Everson Pereira: 2-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
Pereira has four home runs in his last four games (six in his last ten games). He is hitting .295/.364/.577 in 88 PA (1 double, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 17 R, 2-for-2 SB, 9.1% BB, 34.1% K)
3B DJ LeMahieu: 2-for-3
Weird that Aaron Boone said 2B was in play for LeMahieu, only for him to play third base tonight (his first appearance at third base during his rehab stint). This is the first time he played a full game in the field during his stint, but remember that it was a 7-inning game. As for his return, Jorbit Vivas isn’t doing anything to claim second base over the next several weeks. The loss of Jazz Chisholm Jr., even with his warts, is potentially devastating.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, RBI, K
1B Dominic Smith: 0-for-3
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
He started the home run binge with his first one as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
2B Jose Rojas: 0-for-3
C Alex Jackson: 3-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R
Jackson’s HR tied the game.
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-2, R, BB
Munguia set the stage for Pereira’s dramatics by earning a walk.

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Beeter threw 26 pitches (18 fastballs, 8 sliders). He hit 96.8 MPH (averaged 95.8)
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Loaisiga threw 16 pitches in an efficient outing. He used all four pitches (4-seam, sinker, curve, changeup) and reached 96.5 MPH on his 4-seamer and sinker. If he comes out of this outing OK, he’s close.
LHP Brent Headrick (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Headrick was activated off the injured list today.

Game 2 (Lost, 8-5. This was a sloppy game where the Railriders committed five errors)

CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, R, SB (8)
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, R, SB (5), BB
Rodriguez is 22-for-63 (.349) since his promotion (3 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 16 R, 5-for-5 SB, 18.5% BB, 12.3% K). He has forced the Yankees hand. I don’t think the plan was to keep him here once Alex Jackson returned.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, R, BB
Rumfield is 9-for-19 with a pair of doubles in May.
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, HR (7, grand slam), 4 RBI, R, BB
Rojas has two grand slams in May (4 HR, 12 RBI in six May games, though all those numbers have come in two games)
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, HBP
DH Dominic Smith: 1-for-3, BB
C Ronaldo Hernandez: 1-for-4, K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, 2B (4), R, 2 K

RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 3-4) 6 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Boyle is a mix-it-up righty who can hit 90-92 with his fastball. He has battled injuries and I would love for him to make his MLB debut. Whether that is in a Yankees uniform, I don’t know. Season: 4.14 ERA (37 IP, 31 H, 20 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 11 BB, 40 K)
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (12-17) (Lost to Akron, 3-0. Somerset hasn’t scored a run since George Lombard Jr.‘s promotion. Coincidence? I think not)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, BB
1-for-7 with a walk and two strikeouts.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2B (10), 2 K
94 Double-A games: .276/.350/.521 in 397 PA (24 doubles, 21 HR, 56 RBI, 54 R, 9-for-9 SB, 9.3% BB, 28.5% K). The strikeout rate has spiked this season (32.3%).
2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4
.255/.321/.471 in 112 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 17 R, 7.1% BB, 16.1% K). He is off to a 3-for-26 start in May.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, K
.192/.344/.410 in 96 PA (5 doubles, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 13 R, 4-for-5 SB, 13.5% BB, 16.7% K)
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, 4 K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, K
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 2-3) 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
2.18 ERA (33 IP, 25 H, 13 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 36 K). Schlittler is the upper-level arm to be excited over, while Brendan Beck has placed himself on the map. They are two names to watch, but are they MLB viable in 2025?
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
4.22 ERA (10.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 14 K)

Hudson Valley (19-9) (Walloped Wilmington, 12-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 4-for-6, 2B (5), RBI, R, SB (12)
.247/.348/.412 in 115 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 21 R, 12-for-15 SB, 12.2% BB, 18.3% K). This is his first career 4-hit effort.
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, CS (1), BB
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-1, K
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-5, BB
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-0
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, RBI, R, BB, 3 K
.247/.358/.360 in 106 PA. He needed a solid night, as he was 1-for-15 in May entering it.
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-5, 2 R, BB, 2 K
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 3 R, BB
C Omar Martinez: 4-for-5, 2B (5), HR (3), 5 RBI, 3 R, K
Martinez is 10-for-19 in May (3 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R). He has homered in back-to-back games and has three doubles in his last four games. He started the month .211/.299/.276. Now, his triple slash is .274/.358/.421. How crazy is that?
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-5, 2B (5), 3 RBI, R, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 3-1) 5.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K (ties personal best)
3.55 ERA (25.1 IP, 18 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 41 K). A 41/7 K/BB is insane. Half of those earned runs were compiled in his first start. Last season, in 21 innings, he compiled a 27/20 K/BB. Once a pitcher like Lagrange figures out control/command, the sky is the limit. Yes, it is still too early to know if this is real, and we need to see Lagrange stay healthy for a full season.
RHP Matt Keating: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Keating stranded a pair of runners in the 6th to preserve Lagrange’s night.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.38 ERA (13 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 12 K)

Tampa (11-17)

Their game against Daytona was postponed due to lightning.

FCL (2-1)

Day off.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/6: George Lombard Jr.’s Somerset Debut

Notes:

Outfielder Spencer Jones was placed on the injured list for Somerset, robbing us of a chance to see arguably the top two prospects in the system in the same lineup. In a related move, Christopher Familia was activated from the Development List.

RP Scott Effross (yes, he does exist) is on a rehab stint in the FCL.

Speaking of the FCL, 2B Roc Riggio was activated off the injured list for Hudson Valley. He played only two rehab games for the FCL squad before his activation.

DJ LeMahieu‘s rehab was moved up to Scranton.

Carlos Carrasco being DFA’d was not surprising from a performance perspective. The Yankees, however, remain short when it comes to starting pitchers. He could clear waivers and come back, but that’s hardly exciting. They can start Ryan Yarbrough for now, with the potential to see Allan Winans take a turn or two. It’s going to be a revolving door and evolving story until/unless they add someone more stable.

Since it happened after I posted my report on Sunday, SS George Lombard Jr. is now in Somerset. That’s news to nobody’s ears. I agree with this move, as High-A was not challenging him. Double-A is the ultimate test for every prospect, and Lombard Jr. will be the youngest player in the Eastern League. I know the fanbase doesn’t understand patience, but be patient. If he dominates Double-A from the jump, he might just be a unicorn. If he doesn’t, he is still a top prospect. It’s a win-win, and it will be fun to watch.

Injury Log

Scranton (16-16)

Their game against Rochester was postponed due to rain.

Somerset (12-16) (Lost to Akron, 3-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2 K
Lombard Jr. earns his first Double-A hit.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, 2 K
.282/.333/.527 in 120 PA (9 doubles, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 14 R).
2B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 3 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, K
Gomez is 5-for-14 in his last four games.

RHP Bailey Dees: (L, 1-2) 4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
5.96 ERA (22.2 IP, 26 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 14 BB, 25 K)
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (18-9) (Lost to Wilmington, 4-3. Wilmington’s Branden Boissiere hit a walk-off 2-run home run)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, K
DH Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Riggio hit .221/.349/.397 in 480 PA at this level last season. He walked 14.8% of the time and stole 27 bases in 33 attempts.
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (7), R, K
Avina has five doubles in his last seven games.
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Parks Harber: 2-for-4, RBI
Harber is 8-for-25 with four RBI since his promotion.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, 2 K
Colmenares was moved back to Hudson Valley with Lombard Jr.’s promotion to Somerset.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 K
Martinez has two doubles and a homer in four May games (2 doubles, 1 HR in 20 April games)
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, R, CS (3), BB, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
2.08 ERA (21.2 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 17 K). His K% isn’t ideal but he is generating a lot of grounders (60% GB entering tonight; 9 groundouts tonight)
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.77 ERA (11.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 17 K). Warrecker continues to impress in the early going. As a starter last year, he posted a 5.79 ERA (5.34 FIP) over 65.1 innings with a 10.2% BB and 15.7% K. Does this mean he will never start again? No. However, he is taking to the bullpen thus far, including a strikeout rate above 40%.
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie (L, 1-1): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

Tampa (11-17) (Lost to Daytona, 10-7)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), R, BB, 2 K
Perez has hit safely in four of five May games.
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-5, 2B (9), 3 RBI, R, SB (6)
Sanchez leads the Florida State League with 9 doubles.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, BB, K
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-5, K
SS Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, SB (8), BB, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, SB (5), BB, K
3B Owen Cobb: 2-for-2, 2 2B (3), 3 R, SB (5), 2 BB
Cobb is 7-for-15 (3 doubles, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 8 R, 5-for-5 SB, 4 BB, 3 K). Nice start to his 2025 campaign.

RHP Andrew Landry (L, 0-3): 5 IP, 11 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
8.18 ERA (22 IP, 38 H, 26 R, 20 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 21 K)
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Brandon Decker: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.03 ERA (13.1 IP, 13 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 16 K)

FCL (2-1) (Knocked off the Phillies, 9-2)

CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-5, 2B (2), R, SB (1)
Mayea also doubled yesterday. It would be a nice boost to the system if Mayea has a breakout.
RF Luis Durango: 1-for-4, R, K
I assume, like with Riggio, that Durango’s rehab won’t last much longer.
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
3-for-10 with a pair of doubles.
LF Isael Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, 2 R
3B Luis Escudero: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (2)
SS Kevin Verde: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
The 19-year-old hits his first home run since 2023.
2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, 2 SB (2), CS (1), BB, K

RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
A healthy Effross can help the bullpen. But can he regain his 2022 form?
RHP J.T. Etheridge (W, 1-0): 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
Professional debut for the 23-year-old (yes, very old for this level) Etheridge. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent (Louisiana-Lafayette) last August. He stands an impressive 6’5″.
RHP Hansel Rosario: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
RHP Alexis Paulino: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/4: Rafael Flores Has a Big Day

Notes:

I receive this question often and typically answer it once per year: The Baseball Reference linker has a mind of its own when it comes to linking players with the same name. Is it weird that the linker matches Spencer Jones to a 25-year-old graduated Washington State left-handed pitcher who posted a 6.52 career ERA? Yes. If he were named Dennis Putter, his page would never be seen, so good for him. I could manually “fix” it, but I don’t think it is worth it.

Speaking of Jones, he was scratched from today’s lineup for Somerset. I don’t have a reason why. Jones missed time last April due to neck stiffness. That didn’t cost him much time. Hopefully, whatever is ailing him today won’t cost him much time either.

Outfielder Christopher Familia was sent back to the Development List for Somerset. That is not a good sign. His moment in the sun is likely fading.

RHP Gage Ziehl was promoted from Tampa to Somerset to make the start this afternoon. This is undoubtedly a “we need an arm” situation.

Injury Log

Scranton (16-16) (Defeated Syracuse, 4-2)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, BB
After spending all of his time at C/DH since his promotion, Scranton finally takes advantage of his versatility. His insane hitting streak ends, but he does add to his on-base streak (he has reached base in all 17 of his Scranton games and 20 straight games overall)
DH Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, BB, K
.284/.357/.541 in 84 PA (1 double, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 15 R, 2-for-2 SB, 9.5% BB, 33.3% K)
1B Dominic Smith: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-4
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, R, BB
2-for-10 since the Yankees claimed him.
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-3, 2B (1), 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Baseball is so interesting – Jackson has been a decent minor league hitter throughout his career, especially in the power department (he once hit 28 home runs in 85 Triple-A games). MLB? It never translates.
C Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-0
2B Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, BB
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-0
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, CS (1)
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4, K
.228/.341/.342 in 140 PA. After a hot start (was still hitting .300/.393/.400 on April 20th), Munguia has slumped.

RHP Jake Woodford: (W, 1-1) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
3.63 ERA (22.1 IP, 26 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 5 HR, 10 BB, 19 K)
RHP McKinley Moore: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.04 ERA (17.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 20 K). The 26-year-old with MLB experience is not a prospect, but pitching like this earns him a spot on the depth chart map. As a side note, during his 2021 debut season with the Giants, he compiled a 0.00 ERA in 13.1 innings. Remember that for a future Immaculate Grid (SF Giants, <3.00 season ERA).
RHP Colten Brewer (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR

Somerset (12-15) (Defeated Richmond, 5-4)

1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-6
After a hot end to April, Jasso started May 0-for-12. Good to see him put an end to that little slide.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 1-for-3, R, BB
LeMahieu has played only second base during his rehab stint. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the shelf, I doubt that changes much.
PH-2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-0, R, HBP
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, 2B (9), HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R
As of this writing, Flores is tied for the league lead in doubles and leads with 23 RBI. It’s tight, so those rankings may change. He is hitting .292 with a .892 OPS and has hit safely in nine of his last ten games (including four multi-hit efforts)
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, R, 2 K
9 of his 15 hits have gone for extra bases (5 doubles, 4 HR). He also has 13 walks in 88 PA (14.8%).
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-5
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-5, 3 K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 3-for-4, 2B (1), BB
Gomez has struggled here. It’s nice to see him have a good game.
SS Max Burt: 2-for-5, RBI

RHP Gage Ziehl: 4 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
Ziehl was thrown into a tough situation today. Judging him based on this start is foolish. He did put up a pair of zeroes after allowing four runs in the first two innings.
LHP Will Brian: (W, 2-0) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 7.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 8 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Activated off the IL today, Austin immediately strikes out the side. Season: 8.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Cole Ayers (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Ayers escapes a bases-loaded, 2-out jam in the 9th.

Hudson Valley (18-8)

Their game against Jersey Shore was postponed. That is one way to stop George Lombard Jr.

Tampa (11-16) (Destroyed Ft. Myers, 12-4. 12 runs, 15 hits, 10 stolen bases. They have scored 12 runs on back-to-back days after struggling to score runs for much of the season (entered today tied for last in the Florida State League in runs))

C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, RBI, R, SB (3), HBP, K
.183/.366/.197 in 93 PA. The Yankees are doing the right thing with Perez by keeping him at this level and giving up as many plate appearances as possible.
LF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, K
DH Engelth Urena: 3-for-5, 2 2B (4), R, K
It hasn’t been consistent, but he has shown glimpses of the power people talk about. He is hitting .207/.349/.356 in 109 PA.
CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-5, RBI, R, SB (7), 2 K
.198/.270/.341 in 100 PA.
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-5, RBI, R, 2 SB (7), K
.250/.329/.333 in 85 PA (6 doubles, 13 RBI, 8 R, 7-for-10 SB, 11.8% BB, 21.2% K)
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-5, R, SB (8), 3 K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3, SF, 3 RBI, R, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-3, 3B (1), 3 R, 2 SB (7), BB, K
.308/.400/.365 in 60 PA. If last year’s 15th-round pick can develop a hit tool, he can be disruptive with his speed as he is 15-for-17 stealing bases in his 32-game career. You can see him as a Brett Gardner-type, while recognizing that most Brett Gardner types don’t overachieve like Brett Gardner!
SS Owen Cobb: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, 3 R, 3 SB (4)
Cobb is 13-for-13 stealing bases during his 22-game career.

RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
We don’t get pitch breakdowns when Tampa plays at home (because they aren’t playing in Steinbrenner Field this year), but we do see velocity readings. Loaisiga reached 96 MPH today. He generated a whopping nine whiffs on 19 pitches.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Cade Austin: (W, 1-0) 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.09 ERA (11 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 9 K)
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.57 ERA (15.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 17 BB, 16 K). Hermann is doing his usual ground ball thing, but oof – those walks. In his defense, he missed all of 2024 and is still likely on the comeback trail.
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.31 ERA (11.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 18 K). The first time he didn’t record a strikeout in his brief professional career.

FCL (0-1)

Day off. The FCL typically (always?) takes Sunday off.

Note: The FCL plays on Monday, unlike other affiliates. I don’t always post a report for FCL action alone. We’ll see.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.