Month: July 2024

Yankees MILB 7/19: Hudson Valley’s No-Hitter

News

The draft was interesting for the Yankees. Everyone assumed the Yankees had an “all pitching” mentality but that doesn’t appear to be the case. I applaud the Yankees for not “reaching” for a position player just because they had already drafted many pitchers. The draft fell in a way where the most valuable thing on their board was pitching.

Will this cause a glut of pitching? Potentially, but that’s a concern for 2025 and beyond. As college arms, you want them to move up the chain quickly. However, not all of them will. A lot will happen between July 19, 2024, and the beginning of the 2025 season. I am not worrying about a logjam now.

As for my favorite pick, just based on what I am reading it is RHP Bryce Cunningham, their second-round pick. He seemingly can move fast with Keith Law claiming that he zoom up to Double-A next season. The arm that jumps out at you is RHP Greysen Carter, who has dialed it up to 103. An arm like his would be a no-doubt first-round pick if not for that thing called control. I like pitchers who come into the system with a plus pitch in their arsenal. Cunningham’s changeup and Carter’s fastball will play in professional ball, though Carter needs work.

Anyway, I will give more background as the players start filtering into levels and making their debuts. A reminder that they changed the FCL schedule in 2024. Instead of a month left in the season, there’s one week. Hence, there isn’t a “get your feet wet” spot. If players sign quickly, we could see them in Tampa this season. With many college pitchers selected, Low-A is not a daunting place to start. Times have changed and organizations have adjusted.

(For a full review of the draft, check out this article from VirginiaYankee1)

The Yankees have released Jose Rojas from his minor-league contract for the second time this season. Rojas is hitting .254/.359/.561 with 18 home runs and 57 RBI in 67 games. While I haven’t read anything to indicate why, the odds are good that Rojas negotiated an opt-out when he re-signed in June and exercised it. That is what happened the first time he was released.

The Yankees have signed 30-year-old LHP Thomas Pannone to a minor league deal. Pannone, released by the Cubs on July 17th, has appeared in 50 MLB games (13 starts), going 7-7 with a 5.46 ERA (5.06 FIP) over 118.2 innings. He owns a 19.6% K, 9.0% BB, and 33.8% GB. With the Iowa Cubs this season, he went 4-8 with a 4.37 ERA (4.78 FIP) in 19 starts. He spent time in Korea in 2022 and 2023. Recently, the Yankees signed fellow left-handers Chasen Shreve and Tim Mayza, but they are relievers. Pannone can give Scranton innings as a starter or long reliever.

As we enter the post-ASB portion of the season, none of the full-season leagues won their first-half titles (the “first half” ended a while ago, but I never noted that). As of now, it looks unlikely that a full-season affiliate will make the playoffs as the second-half standings aren’t favorable. There’s still time, though.

Scranton (49-42) (Lost to Buffalo, 1-0, in ten innings)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-5, 4 K
We all have bad days…
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, 2B (6), 2 K
It isn’t a complete loss (he spent three days on an MLB roster), but it still felt meaningless to bring him up if his playing time was going to be zero. It is interesting that Oswald Peraza didn’t play tonight in the first game after the All-Star Break.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-3, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, K
Rumfield is 7-for-24 with four walks in July.
SS Jeter Downs: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-3, HBP, 2 K
3B Kevin Smith: 0-for-3, SB (11), HBP, K
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-4, 4 K

LHP Edgar Barclay:  5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
I have documented how he hasn’t done well in Triple-A. It is nice to see him have a strong outing here.
RHP Jack Neely:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
The Yankees luckily had options to use on Effross as he continues his rehab-that-technically-isn’t-a-rehab. I assume it won’t be long until he is up with the big club.
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: (L, 2-1)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Hard to blame any reliever when a ghost runner scores!

Somerset (44-44) (Toss a 1-hitter against Altoona in a 2-0 win)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RS, K
Has Jones’ trade value taken a hit? Maybe, but not as much as you think it has. Teams will still be interested in the crazy ceiling. Will the Yankees move him? I think it would have to be a special trade for them to give him up. Don’t expect him to be trade bait for a swing-and-miss reliever. 
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-3, RS, BB
.299/.380/.474 in 358 PA. Cowles has never spent a full season at one level. I would expect the 24-year-old to finish up in Scranton (he went there briefly in 2023 before being sent to the Arizona Fall League).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, K
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-4, RBI
On a night where pitching was the story, Flores stands out. He broke a 0-0 tie in the bottom of the 8th.  Since his promotion: .229/.325/.400 in 80 PA. He had a pair of 3-hit efforts for Hudson Valley earlier this season.
RF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Dunham didn’t let the break cool him off. He is 20-for-48 (.417) in July (6 doubles, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, BB
3B Max Burt: 1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
Outstanding performance by Vrieling. It lowers his ERA to 5.21 (96.2 IP, 100 H, 59 R, 56 ER, 9 HR, 33 BB, 91 K). In July: 14 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 BB, 10 K. 
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP McKinley Moore: (W, 2-0) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Moore is a work in progress. If they unlock him, the dividends will be high. But he will be a tough one to unlock.
RHP Eric Reyzelman (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 2.84 ERA (6.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 10 K). He is a contender for the 2025 bullpen. 

Hudson Valley (43-43) (No-hit Rome, 1-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-4, HR (7), RBI, RS, CS (4)
Riggio walks it off in the bottom of the 9th, earning the Renegades a combined no-hitter!  He is hitting .222/.356/.393 in 307 PA and has homered in back-to-back games.
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-3
.252/.344/.437 in 369 PA. He is only 9-for-46 (.196) in July.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, K
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, SB (9)
Martin is 9-for-10 in the stolen base category.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
A much-needed outing for last year’s 3rd round pick. It lowers his ERA to 6.04 (67 IP, 70 H, 54 R, 45 ER, 5 HR, 43 BB, 58 K). Last time out, he allowed 7 runs (6 earned) over 3 IP. Can he get into a second-half groove?
RHP Trent Sellers: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.94 ERA (53.2 IP, 33 H, 27 R, 19 ER, 2 HR, 32 BB, 65 K). He started his last time out, but they moved him back to the bullpen tonight. He tossed three innings, so is there a major difference?
RHP Huey Morrill: (W, 2-2)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.52 ERA (30.2 IP, 28 H, 17 R, 12 ER, 6 HR, 9 BB, 33 K). The 24-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State in 2022. The plot twist? He played shortstop for Oklahoma State (though he did make 17 appearances on the hill in college). 

Tampa (32-53) (Tied with Bradenton, 0-0, in the 5th. The game is in a delay. I will update this if they conclude the game tonight)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-2, K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-1, SB (25), BB
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-2
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, 2 K
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-1
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-1

RHP Chase Hampton: 3.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Hampton retired 11 of the 12 batters he faced (hit a batter) and averaged 92 MPH (94 max). He threw 45 pitches (30 strikes) and should be on his way to Somerset shortly.
RHP Aaron Nixon: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Nixon was used as a “bridge” between Hampton and Serna.
RHP Luis Serna: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
That bridge will be meaningless, as Serna will not return to this game.

FCL (33-20) (Lost to the Tigers, 4-0. With five games left, they own a 1.5-game lead over the Tigers. The two squads play a doubleheader tomorrow and have another matchup beyond that. There is a wild card in this league. The Tigers are currently in that position, but there’s a 3-team race in the South. The two teams that lose that race will be in the wild-card race. Those teams will undoubtedly play games against each other, so the Yankees are in good shape. The FCL squad and one of the DSL teams could be the only playoff representatives we get in 2024)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, K
Mayea is hitting .288 (good) though the power has yet to show up. At 18 years old, there’s time for the power to shine.
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, BB
1B Engelth Urena: 2-for-3, K
His magical season continues (.308/.421/.575 in 145 PA with 7 homers and 29 RBI). In July, he is an incredible 23-for-49 (.469/.587/.959) with nine doubles and five home runs. Is the 19-year-old (20 on August 17th) ready for a full-season test?

RHP Chalniel Arias (L, 0-1): 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
His rehab continues.
RHP Sabier Marte: 3 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
Marte is getting his work in (he leads the league with 49 IP). In those 49 IP, he owns a 2.76 ERA and 44/16 K/BB.

DSL Yankees (11-22) (Their game against the DSL Mets Orange was suspended. They own a 6-1 lead in the 5th)

So far, SS Dexters Peralta is 2-for-3, while CF Gabriel Lara (1 hit) and LF Isael Arias (2 hits, SB) have an RBI and run scored.

RHP Jorge Luna: 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

DSL Bombers (20-14) (Defeated the DSL Giants Orange, 5-4)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, 2B (5), K
.200/.278/.325 in 90 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 13 RBI)
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, RS, SB (12)
2B Luis Escudero: 0-for-2, RS, BB
DH Angel Ventura: 1-for-3, 3B (1), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
I haven’t said much about Ventura, but the 18-year-old is hitting .276/.382/.328 in 68 PA.
LF Browm Martinez: 1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI, RS, SB (16), K
.271/.369/.300 in 84 PA with 16 stolen bases in 20 tries.

RHP Jerson Alejandro: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
4.07 ERA (24.1 IP, 14 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 0 HR, 23 BB, 38 K). The eight strikeouts are a personal best.
LHP Jose Ledesma (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Yankees MILB 7/14: George Lombard Jr.: 2 Doubles

News

RHP JT Brubaker has an oblique injury, which will temporarily shut down his rehab stint.

As for where the system is at the midway point, it is a mixed bag that leans slightly towards disappointment. Some of that is due to injuries. Some of it is because we don’t have Drew Thorpe throwing 7 shutout innings every five days. Some of it is underperformance by upper-tier prospects.

It isn’t all negative – Ben Rice ascended to the majors, Agustin Ramirez has raked since Day 1 (despite a bumpy road in Scranton), and George Lombard Jr. is showing signs of adjusting to Low-A pitching. RHP Cade Smith has pitched well in Tampa.

Many depth prospects have played above expectations. Whether that is attractive to trade partners remains to be seen. When a system isn’t performing, it lessens your trade capital. The Yankees have routinely moved pitchers up the chain and used them in trades. This year? In my opinion, that supply isn’t as robust. However, one of my favorite mantras is that you never know how other organizations view your system.

There are still several weeks left in the season for the kids to end on a good note.

Tonight is the MLB Draft. Judging by social media and general buzz, you may not even know about it. I am not a draft expert. I will watch the draft and read everything I can about the Yankees’ selections. That way, I can give you a general idea about who they are when they begin playing. On Twitter, you can look up VirginiaYankee1 and BobbyMilone29 for analysis. VirginiaYankee1 writes up a post-draft report which I will retweet.

As you may suspect, writing these things every night can be a little tiring by the time we get to mid-July. I cherish the next four days off. Maybe I will write quick blurbs (like usual) for the FCL and DSL, but that’s it. I did a “midseason Top 30” a few years ago. It drove me crazy. Never again.

Scranton (49-42) (Defeated Syracuse, 3-2, in a thriller)

2B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
.210/.325/.251 in 198 PA. Peraza hasn’t earned a promotion but I don’t know why they chose Jorbit Vivas for bench-riding purposes. 
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, K
Rumfield is 7-for-24 in July with a double and a pair of homers.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
His full profile at the break (including his time with Somerset): .262/.355/.518 in 349 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 55 R, 11.5% BB, 17.5% K, 17-for-18 SB). Offensively, he is a legitimate MLB prospect. Where does he fit defensively? We’ll see.
1B Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-4, 2B (16), RS, K
.266/.364/.505 in 262 PA (16 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 37 RBI, 42 R, 15-for-21 SB)
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS, SB (9)
Trammell hit a game-winning 2-run HR in the top of the 9th (it followed Downs’ double)
   CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-0
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, K
3B Kevin Smith: 2-for-4, CS (2), K
LF Josh VanMeter: 1-for-3, 2B (8), BB

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
4.20 ERA (55.2 IP, 39 H, 27 R, 26 ER, 7 HR, 34 BB, 61 K). I wouldn’t be surprised to see him included in a deadline deal, but he won’t be a headliner.
RHP Alex Mauricio: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
0.98 ERA (27.2 IP, 19 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 32 K)
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Back-to-back scoreless outings as he works his way back to MLB. His rehab clock doesn’t have much time left, but they can ask for an extension if need be.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio (W, 1-2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.94 ERA (45.2 IP, 30 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 4 HR, 27 BB, 60 K). He has eight consecutive scoreless outings (10.1 IP).

Somerset (43-44) (Lost to Erie, 6-1. The Patriots have teetered around .500 all season).

SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-2, 2 BB
.298 with a .854 OPS (24 doubles, 3 triples, 8 HR, 49 RBI, 50 R, 10.5% BB, 17.8% K, 14-for-16 SB). You are impossible to please if you find fault in Cowles’ profile this season. He has played 2B (10 games)/SS (60)/3B (19).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
Hardman is hitting .240 with a .696 OPS for Somerset (107 PA).
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2 K
Since promotion: 13-for-66 (.197; 3 doubles, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 11 R, 9 BB, 24 K). His 31.6% K rate for Somerset is high but he didn’t get here long ago.
CF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-3, HR (10), RBI, RS, BB
July: 18-for-44 (.409; 6 doubles, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 7 R). He has hit safely in 19 of his last 20 games (9 multi-hit efforts).
3B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, 2B (18)
DH Grant Richardson: 0-for-4
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
Seigler has a 13.8% BB (9/6 BB/K in July). He has played his entire season at second base.
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 2-7) 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
3.94 ERA (96 IP, 80 H, 57 R, 42 ER, 7 HR, 31 BB, 100 K). Messinger is the first to record 100 strikeouts in the system (he leads the Eastern League). I think other organizations would have an interest in trade talks. He is 6’6″ and durability hasn’t been a concern (he has never been on the injured list).
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Watson has three consecutive scoreless outings (four of his last five). Before the season started, you could have placed him in the same realm as Jack Neely. An injury left him behind.
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (42-43) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 5-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, 2 RS
Riggio’s HR was a lead-off blast. He enters the break at .218/.354/.379 in 303 PA (16 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 48 R, 15-for-18 SB, 15.2% BB, 18.2% K). The average hasn’t shown up consistently yet but I think it will. 
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-2, RBI, CS (7), HBP, BB
.254/.347/.441 in 366 PA (23 doubles, 12 HR, 53 RBI, 49 R, 10-for-17 SB, 10.7% BB, 16.1% K). Serna played 107 games at Low-A Tampa and has 108 games at High-A Hudson Valley. I expect him to be called up soon.
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 2 K
.271/.356/.440 in 315 PA. He has performed well in his first taste of High-A and should stay here for the season (he is only 21)
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
.240/.378/.403 in 288 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 34 R, 17.7% BB, 22.6% K). Statistically, a similar profile to 2023. The “under the hood” stuff shows a kid hitting more balls in the air. 
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4, K
RF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, SB (6), BB, 2 K
3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-4
CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RS, 2 K

RHP Trent Sellers: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Sellers, a starter for Oregon State last year, makes his first professional start. He struck out the side in his final inning. Season: 3.12 ERA (49 IP, 32 H, 25 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 29 BB, 60 K)
RHP Matt Keating: (L, 3-3)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
4.93 ERA (49.1 IP, 38 H, 29 R, 27 ER, 7 HR, 21 BB, 61 K). Some players don’t want a 4-day break, while others welcome it. Keating can use the rest.
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
LHP Joel Valdez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.24 ERA (41.2 IP, 29 H, 19 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 48 K). His BB rate still needs work but it is down considerably from 2023.

Tampa (32-53) (Defeated Dunedin, 9-5)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-6, 2 2B (15), 2 RS, SB (25), 3 K
.234/.350/.352 in 311 PA (15 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 29 RBI, 38 R, 25-for-29 SB, 14.1% BB, 23.5% K). April: 2 extra-base hits (both doubles); May: 4 extra-base hits (3 doubles, 1 triple); June: 9 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR); July: 6 extra-base hits (3 doubles, 3 HR). It is fun to watch a prospect adjust to a level.
DH Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 3 RS, SB (24), 2 BB, K
.220/.320/.360 in 372 PA (13 doubles, 7 triples, 6 HR, 44 RBI, 50 R, 24-for-35 SB, 11.8% BB, 33.6% K). He owns a .423 OBP in July.  As I keep saying, you look for positive signs as he tries to iron out the rest of his game.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, HR (9), SF, 3 RBI, RS, BB, K
Jasso doesn’t want the All-Star Break, as he is 6-for-8 in his last two games. 
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-4, 2B (15), 2 RBI, 2 RS, HBP, BB, K
Castillo ends the first half on a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-19) and is 12-for-40 (.300/.440/.450) in July. Overall, he is hitting .264/.393/.429 in 285 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 46 R, 13-for-17 SB, 17.5% BB, 18.9% K)
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-6, HR (6), 3 RBI, RS, K
Montero has 6 RBI in his last two games. He is hitting .243/.293/.363 in 317 PA.
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
You don’t want anyone to get hurt, and Montero would have received playing time regardless of Enmanuel Tejeda‘s status. That said, he is 12-for-38 (.316/.435/.579) in July with a pair of triples and homers.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, BB, 3 K
C Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-3, 2 BB

RHP Bryce Warrecker: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Warrecker tossed 61 pitches today. They are understandably taking it easy with him (11 starts, 32 IP) in his first professional season.
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 2-0) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
I will assume that Cohen’s rehab is nearing completion and a trip to Somerset is upcoming.
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Montana Semmell: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.40 ERA (43 IP, 44 H, 24 R, 21 ER, 4 HR, 11 BB, 49 K). He entered June with a 6.14 ERA and has steadily brought it down.

FCL (31-18)

Scheduled day off. Unlike the full-season leagues, the FCL does not go on break.

DSL Yankees (11-17)

Scheduled day off. Unlike the full-season leagues, the DSL does not go on break.

DSL Bombers (18-11)

Scheduled day off. Unlike the full-season leagues, the DSL does not go on break.

Yankees MILB 7/13: Cade Smith Ks 10

News:

If you are wondering about the whereabouts of CF Spencer Jones and LHP Brock Selvidge, don’t worry. They were in Texas for this afternoon’s Futures Game.

Jones went 0-for-1 with a walk, stolen base, and a run scored. Selvidge didn’t appear in the game.

Scranton (48-42) (Lost to Syracuse, 7-4)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-4, 2B (12), BB
DH T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, HR (10), RBI, RS, K
Rumfield is hitting .295 in 266 PA since his promotion (15 doubles, 10 HR, 42 RBI, 41 R). You love seeing the power showing up, even in this souped up environment.
C Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-3, RS, SB (4), 2 BB
Since promotion: 13-for-70 (.186; 1 double, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 8 R, 4-for-4 SB, 12 BB, 17 K). Remember that he had a 1-for-24 start. He is 12-for-46 (.261) since.
1B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, HR (18), 2 RBI, RS, BB, 3 K
Rojas has homered in back-to-back games. 
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, K
3B Jeter Downs: 1-for-4, 2B (15), RBI
2B Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Will Warren: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Warren was cruising into the 5th, where he allowed four runs.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Cody Morris: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Chasen Shreve (L, 1-1):  1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

Somerset (43-43) (Mauled Erie, 10-3)

2B Ben Cowles: 3-for-6, 2B (24), 2 RBI, RS, SB (14)
Cowles has three 3+ hit efforts this month (14-for-45 overall). He is hitting .300/.379/.479 and I am fully invested in his chase for .300 this season.
3B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-6, RBI, RS, 3 K
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, RS, 2 BB, K
DH Elijah Dunham: 3-for-4, 2B (16), HR (9), 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
In July, Dunham is 16-for-41 (.390/.432/.756) with 6 doubles and 3 home runs. Overall, he is hitting .280/.366/.517.
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-5, RBI, RS, K
CF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, 2 RS, BB, 2 K
Richardson is 9-for-30 in July.
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-5, K
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-5, 2 RS, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, 3 RBI, SB (3)
Vargas’ first game since 6/27 is a successful one. He is hitting .250/.281/.357 at this level.
  SS Max Burt: 0-for-1, K

RHP Luis Velasquez: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
His second professional start (his first was in 2022).
RHP McKinley Moore: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: (W, 4-1)  1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Joey Gerber: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 8 K. Overall: 0.87 ERA (20.2 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 34 K)
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
2.84 ERA (31.2 IP, 27 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 45 K)

Hudson Valley (42-42) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 9-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, RS, K
Avina is hitting .275 with a .806 OPS. July has been a rough month but there is half a month remaining.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-1, K
   3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-3, K
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, K
3B-1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, 3 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, SB (10), K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K

RHP Baron Stuart: (L, 5-3)  5 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
Stuart pitched well lately (1 R in 12.2 July innings), so we’ll toss this one.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
3.68 ERA (29.1 IP, 24 H, 18 R, 12 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 42 K)
RHP Cole Ayers: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Arejula: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.13 ERA (37.1 IP, 32 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 36 K)

Tampa (31-53) (Destroyed Dunedin, 10-0)

DH George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-6, HR (4), RBI, RS
3 of Lombard’s 4 HR have come in July. There is a lot to be excited about.
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-5, RS, K
Arias has three multi-hit efforts in his last four games. He is hitting .217/.314/.358 in 366 PA.
3B Dylan Jasso: 4-for-4, 2 RS, HBP
Jasso’s first career 4-hit game. He is .226/.315/.387 in 336 PA.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
.256/.384/.419 in 279 PA. 
CF Willy Montero: 3-for-5, 2B (15), 3 RBI, RS
After an insane June (32-for-85 with six doubles and four homers), Montero was slumping in July (3-for-30) before tonight.
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-5, RS, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), SF, 2 RBI, 3 K
Gonzalez is 8-for-28 with a pair of doubles and five RBI since his promotion.
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-5, RBI, 2 K

RHP Cade Smith: (W, 5-6)  5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K
Smith has three 10+ strikeout efforts this season. He is pitching to a 3.73 ERA in 72.1 IP (52 H, 36 R, 30 ER, 5 HR, 35 BB, 95 K). He was slumping (plus had a short outing due to rain) recently but brought it tonight. He was their 6th-round selection in the 2023 draft.
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Smith left the game with the bases loaded and two outs. Fulgencio struck out Joey Votto (yes, that Joey Votto) to end the threat.
RHP Jordy Luciano: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.38 ERA (41.2 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 5 HR, 21 BB, 50 K)

FCL (31-18) (Split a pair of games against the Phillies. The Tigers lost to one of the worst teams in professional baseball (11-38 Blue Jays). Hence, the Yankees have a 2.5-game lead over the Tigers and 3.5 over the Phillies)

Game 1 (Won, 3-2)

DH Brando Mayea: 1-for-2
Mayea played a partial game for the second day in a row. Predictably, he didn’t play in Game 2.
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, RS
1B Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, RS, BB
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 0-for-1, K
Ramirez was pulled early yesterday and batted only once today. He did not play in Game 2. This is something to monitor.
  3B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, CS (6)
Gomez with the big game off the bench. His 2-run single in the 6th was the game-winner.
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, HR (5), RBI, RS
In 41 games, the 20-year-old is hitting .307/.412/.474 with 31 runs batted in.

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The division race is fun, but from a prospect perspective, seeing Henry Lalane and Lagrange get in some 2024 innings is more important.
RHP Chalniel Arias: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
All the talk about Lalane and Lagrange overshadows Arias, who was 15th on Fangraphs’ Yankees prospects list last winter. This is his second appearance of the season.
RHP Danny Flatt (W, 3-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
After receiving a taste of life in Low-A, the Yankees reassigned him. There is nothing wrong with that at this stage.

Game 2 (Lost, 2-1. After their comeback in Game 1, they allowed two in the top of the 7th to lose Game 2)

CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-3
.295/.386/.510 in 171 PA.
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, K
.295/.456/.403 in 182 PA. In 175 DSL plate appearances in 2023, he hit .259/.389/.317.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, BB
.292/.411/.547 in 129 PA.
LF Joel Mendez: 1-for-2, HR (5), RBI, RS, BB
After hitting .293/.363/.424 in 29 games here last year, Mendez (21) is hitting .311/.426/.585 in 38 games this year.

RHP Sabier Marte: 4.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
It looks like it went 14 up, and 14 down for Marte. Standing 6’5″, he owns a 2.74 ERA in 46 IP (36 H, 18 R, 14 ER, 3 HR, 16 BB, 41 K)
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
17.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 23 K. You never know what an organization’s plan is, but I expect to see him in Tampa to close out the season.

DSL Yankees (11-17) (Defeated the DSL Twins, 6-2. The Yankees stole 12 bases without being caught)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, 4 SB (13), BB, K
This is one way to celebrate your recent 17-year-old birthday.
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (2), K
Matic is hitting .213/.318/.253 in 88 plate appearances with three doubles.
C Justin Capellan: 0-for-3, RS, SB (6), BB, K
CF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-4, K
You can’t steal first base, but it’s funny that one of the fastest players in organized baseball had zero stolen bases on a day like this.
LF Isael Arias: 1-for-2, 2 RS, SB (5), BB
RF Estivenzon Montero: 0-for-2, RS, BB, K
DH Diego Flores: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, HBP, K
The 17-year-old is 4-for-16. He is listed as a catcher.
2B Edgar Jimenez: 1-for-3, RS, 2 SB (2), K
The 17-year-old is 4-for-20 with a double and a homer. This is his debut campaign.
1B Niurby Asigen: 2-for-2, 2 RBI, RS, 3 SB (4)
Asigen had 2 stolen bases in 38 career games before today.

RHP Jorge Luna: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
1.85 ERA (24.1 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 28 K)
RHP Oscar Vasquez (W, 1-1): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Vasquez’s first professional win.

DSL Bombers (18-11) (Defeated the DSL Marlins, 5-2)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RS, CS (3), BB, K
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 SB (11), CS (8), 2 BB, K
I will assume you weren’t running all over the bases in a professional baseball league when you were 16.
LF Remy Veldhuisen: 1-for-4, 2B (3), SB (2), 2 K

RHP Jerson Alejandro: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
4.22 ERA (21.1 IP, 11 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 0 HR, 21 BB, 30 K). The arm has potential but we see one thing he needs to work on.
RHP Anthony Mena (W, 1-1): 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
The 19-year-old’s first professional win.
RHP Joshua Leito: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
Leito continues to handle his transition to pitching well (5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 8 K)
LHP Jose Ledesma (S, 4): 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Yankees MILB 7/12: Cam Schlittler Dazzles

News:

2B/3B Jorbit Vivas was promoted to the Yankees today as 1B/3B J.D. Davis went on the injured list.

How much will Vivas be used? Who knows? Because Davis’ IL stint is retroactive, he will be eligible to return right after the All-Star Break. Vivas may only be here for three games.

However, if he isn’t going to be used, they could have brought up Oswald Peraza to sit on the bench and pinch-run. This leads me to believe that Vivas will play.

See what is going on? The Yankees are leading me to a state of confusion. The good news? They face RHP Grayson Rodriguez tomorrow, so we’ll determine how committed they are to using him.

Scranton (48-41) (Lost to Syracuse, 4-3)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-4, 2 SB (30), BB, 2 K
Lockridge reaches 30+ stolen bases for the second straight season. Last year, he stole 40 bases and is well on his way to doing that again. I have used the name Tim Locastro many times and still think he can become that type of MLB player. The opportunity must come, however.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4, BB
Ramirez is in a little 1-for-13 slump after his extended hot streak. Baseball is a game of adjusting, re-adjusting, re-re-adjusting, etc.
2B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4
DH Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4
Narvaez has a 7-game hitting streak. He has one hit in all seven games and only one of them for extra-bases (double). 
1B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, HR (17), RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-4, SB (15), K
I can guarantee you that Downs will get another MLB opportunity. That tends to happen with players who have “prospect pedigree”. He is still only 25 years old.
3B Kevin Smith: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (10), CS (1)

LHP Edgar Barclay: (L, 3-8) 4.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
Barclay has run into a wall in Triple-A. Between last year and this year, he owns a 7.09 ERA in 119.1 IP with a 117/73 K/BB and 31 HR allowed.
RHP Alex Mauricio: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.00 ERA (27 IP, 19 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 32 K). I will forever root for prospects like Mauricio to get to MLB. He is 27 years old and has consistently pitched well since entering the organization in 2017. Like every minor leaguer, he missed the 2020 season. On top of that, he missed the entire 2021 season, which put him behind the curve. 
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (42-43) (Lost to Erie, 7-1. A hitting clinic, this was not)

SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, RBI
.296/.375/.475 in 344 PA. His 23 doubles and 47 RBI are personal bests.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2 K
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, K
Dunham’s 17-game hitting streak is snapped.
DH J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, K
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, K
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, RS, BB
3B Max Burt: 1-for-3, 2B (4), K

RHP Bailey Dees: (L, 4-5) 4.1 IP, 4 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 6 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
Dees allowed a grand slam in the first inning and couldn’t get on track. This bumps his ERA to 4.45 in 89 IP (77 H, 49 R, 44 ER, 13 HR, 34 BB, 94 K). One thing you worry about is Dees hitting a wall. This is his first season starting, even though he was often asked to go multiple innings as a reliever.
RHP Colby White: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Watson has allowed zero runs in four of his last five outings as he continues his recovery from injury.
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (42-41) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 6-1. They scored 5 in the first and never looked back)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, RS, 2 K
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-5
Serna is 8-for-41 (.195) with three doubles in July. That said, he has struck out only four times. 
DH Jace Avina: 1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, RS, BB, K
It is hard to give up on someone who had/has the potential of Gomez. It would be nice to see some signs of prospect life the rest of the season.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, RS, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
Gabrielson has a 5-game hitting streak.
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 4-3)  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
2.84 ERA (69.2 IP, 45 H, 30 R, 22 ER, 6 HR, 33 BB, 89 K). He fell one strikeout short of tying his best.
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
3.64 ERA (29.2 IP, 28 H, 17 R, 12 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 32 K)
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Minor league baseball can be a numbers game, but I would not have demoted Calderon.

Tampa (30-53) (Lost to Dunedin, 3-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-2, CS (11), 2 BB
Arias has at least one walk in four straight games. In July, he is hitting .265/.390/.353 (9-for-34; 3 doubles, 7 BB, 8 K, 4-for-6 SB).
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2 K
Jasso’s single broke up a no-hitter in the 7th.
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3
Castillo, who bats left-handed, has struggled against LHP (9-for-43) but is hitting .267/.405/.439 against RHP with all six home runs. He is 21, so there is time to figure it all out.
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-2, BB
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3
DH Anthony Hall: 0-for-3
Hall’s rehab was moved here from the FCL.
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K

RHP Chase Hampton: (L, 0-1)  2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
Hampton reached 91.7 MPH with his 4-seamer but averaged 90.1. Don’t be concerned about velocity yet. He has compiled only 5.2 innings during his rehab.
RHP Gabriel Barbosa: 5.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
He stranded a runner for Hampton and dominated from there. He owns a 4.86 ERA in 83.1 IP (82 H, 47 R, 45 ER, 7 HR, 25 BB, 87 K). Drafted in the minor league phase of the Rule 5, Barbosa uses a wide arsenal that includes a slider, cutter, curve, 4-seam fastball, and changeup. According to Savant, he threw two sinkers as well. He is intriguing because organizations don’t target players in the Rule 5 draft for fun. While these players typically do not become MLB players, they can be useful. In 2017 for example, the Yankees traded Yefry Ramirez to the Orioles for international bonus pool money. Ramirez subsequently pitched in 31 MLB games.

FCL (30-17) (Defeated the FCL Tigers, 7-1. This increases their lead to 2 over the Tigers (3 in the loss column). They play the Phillies tomorrow. The Phillies are 3.5 back (4 in the loss column))

CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-3, RS
Mayea’s first game since June 24th. He was never placed on the Injured List. I wouldn’t worry that he was pulled – that is standard procedure for a returning player. The bonus baby is hitting .272/.370/.301 in 119 PA with a 10.9% BB and 26.9% K. Hopefully, the injuries are over with (he missed time at the beginning of the season as well) and he can play consistently over the final few weeks of the season.
  PH-RF Ramiro Altagracia: 1-for-2, 2B (1), RBI, RS
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 BB
.301/.466/.414 in 176 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 29 R, 21.6% BB, 16.5% K). An impressive season for Perez, who doesn’t turn 19 until May 2025.
1B Engelth Urena: 2-for-5, 2B (9), 2 RS, K
.294/.407/.559 in 123 PA (9 doubles, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 24 R, 13.8% BB, 13.8% K, 4-for-5 SB. Urena turns 20 on August 17th. He likely would be in Low-A now if he didn’t miss the entire 2023 season). He has a 7-game hitting streak and is hitting a ridiculous .516/.634/1.129 in July (16-for-31, 7 doubles, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 12 R, 9 BB, 4 K, 4-for-5 SB). He has passed the early test. Next up is a full-season league.
2B Abrahan Ramirez: 1-for-3, 3B (3), RBI, K
Unlike with Mayea, it is a little concerning that Ramirez was pulled. He is hitting .370/.470/.551 in 165 PA.
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
LF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, BB
.306/.398/.526 in 166 PA
DH Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-4, RS, SB (13)
Terrero is a perfect 13-for-13 stealing bases (14-for-20 in 2023).
RF-LF Joel Mendez: 1-for-2, RS, SB (2), 2 BB
3B-2B Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, CS (5), BB

RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
“Who did the Yankees acquire for Lucas Luetge?” Your first answer (Caleb Durbin) is obvious. The second answer is Diaz, a 25-year-old RHP who pitched to a 4.26 ERA in 31.2 IP between Hudson Valley/Somerset in 2023 (43/21 K/BB).
LHP Henry Lalane (W, 1-1): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
“Will Lalane get to Tampa once the FCL season ends?” He needs innings so I assume he will make his way there.
RHP Andrew Landry: 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
Being a 22-year-old draftee from last year, Landry should pitch well at this level. He didn’t start his season until June 22nd, which is why he is still here to begin with.
RHP Omar Gonzalez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL Yankees (10-17) (Defeated the DSL Arizona Black, 11-4. They earned 7 hits while walking 6 times and being hit by 6 pitches. Arizona also had four errors. DSL baseball!)

DH Justin Capellan: 1-for-2, 2B (6), RBI, RS, SB (5), BB, 2 HBP, K
That is what you call an eventful day.
RF Estivenzon Montero: 3-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS
The 17-year-old is 8-for-36 with two doubles and a triple in his debut campaign.
LF Dilan Medina: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, HBP
There’s only so much playing time to distribute, even with two DSL teams. Medina is 7-for-23 with a double and 3 RBI. He is an 18-year-old right-handed bat.

RHP Emanuel Vargas: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Michell Chirinos: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
The 20-year-old owns a 28/13 K/BB over 18.2 IP.
RHP Jesus Mejia (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Mejia earns his first professional win. He hasn’t allowed a run in 8.2 innings.

DSL Bombers (17-11) (Shut down the DSL Giants Orange, 1-0, in a 7-inning game)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, K
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, 2B (3)
The 16-year-old is hitting .216/.326/.257 with three doubles and 8 RBI.
C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-3, RS, SB (1)
The 17-year-old picked a good time for his first career stolen base (bottom of the 7th)
LF Browm Martinez: 1-for-3, RBI
Walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 7th.

RHP Mariano Salomon: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
0.98 ERA (27.1 IP, 15 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 32 K). He is 20 years old and this is his second season here, so take that into consideration. However, the only way to get off the island is by playing/pitching well.
RHP Enixon Sanchez (W, 2-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Sanchez turned 17 on July 7th. He owns a 2.57 ERA in 14 IP with a 12/11 K/BB.

Yankees MILB 7/11: Roderick Arias Has Multi-Hit Night

News:

Catching up on the news:

RHP Justin Lange was transferred to the full-season injury list. Acquired for Luke Voit, Lange was a $2,000,000 signing by the Padres from the 2020 draft. Like many of his ilk, Lange flashes moments of brilliance mixed with plenty of frustration due to his lack of command/control of his potentially elite stuff. He is Rule 5 eligible this winter, but that is irrelevant. The Yankees won’t protect him and he is an unlikely selection.

RHP Chase Hampton and OF Anthony Hall are heading to Tampa (from the FCL) to continue their rehab stints. Hall will eventually land with Hudson Valley while I assume Hampton is destined for Somerset before his eventual Scranton debut.

RHP Yorlin Calderon, pitching to a 2.28 ERA in 16 games (27.2 IP) for Somerset, was demoted to Hudson Valley.

Scranton (48-40) (Swept in a doubleheader against Syracuse)

Game 1 (Lost, 6-5)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-4, 2 RS, K
DH Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, HR (5), RBI, RS, BB
Vivas’ HR in the top of the 7th gave the Railriders a 5-4 lead, but they blew it in the bottom of the inning.
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, RS, 2 K
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-2, 2B (1), 2 RBI, BB, K
Ramirez crushed that 2-run double to tie the game at 4-4 in the 5th. 
1B Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, RBI
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, RBI, K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, RS, K
2B Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Tanner Tully: 4 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
A nice, clean inning for Effross.
LHP Victor Gonzalez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Phil Bickford (L, 2-4): 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 2-1)

SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, K
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3
For Scranton: .258/.404/.424 in 169 PA. The sample size is getting larger and the numbers are solid.
1B Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-3
Since promotion: 11-for-63 (.175) with a double, four home runs and 11 RBI. He started very slow but has picked it up. He is going to hit here – I have no concerns about that.
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-2, SB (8), BB
.269/.388/.446 in 304 PA (17 doubles, 9 HR, 47 RBI, 45 R)
CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-3, 3 K
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-2, HR (5), RBI, RS, SB (7), BB, K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-2, BB
3B Jeter Downs: 0-for-2, HBP

RHP JT Brubaker:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
I am not sure why Brubaker left the game. He is rehabbing, but he tossed 2.2 innings last time and has reached four innings in an outing. Yes, I am concerned but hopefully, it is nothing major.
RHP Art Warren: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: (L, 2-2) 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (42-42) (Lost to Erie, 6-0)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
Not that it ultimately matters, but I thought they would keep him in the second spot after his solid night last night. 
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-3, HBP
This is nothing against Cowles. This is more of a “That’s baseball, Suzyn” thing: Cowles goes 7-for-8 in a doubleheader and is 2-for-15 since. Go ahead – try to figure this game out. He is hitting an impressive .297/.376/.478 in 340 PA with 23 doubles, 3 triples, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 49 R, and 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts. He is positioning himself for an MLB role sometime in 2025, whether here or elsewhere.
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, 2B (18), K
Richardson is 7-for-23 with two doubles and a home run in July.
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3, K
Last 10 games: 12-for-33 (.364; 6 doubles, 6 RBI, 7 BB, 6 K)
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-1, CS (4), 2 BB, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (L, 7-7)  5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
5.56 ERA (90.2 IP, 99 H, 59 R, 56 ER, 9 HR, 30 BB, 88 K). His biggest bugaboo has been lefties. Entering tonight, they hit .303/.378/.416 with 22 walks and 35 strikeouts in 204 PA. Against right-handed hitters? .242/.265/.418 with five walks and 48 strikeouts in 171 PA. Both sides have displayed power, but there is still a stark difference when looking at other metrics/numbers.
RHP McKinley Moore: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
For Somerset: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K. This was the second HR he has allowed in his career (30.1 IP)
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (41-41) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 3-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, RBI
.220/.362/.377 in 290 PA. He is in a little slump after a prolonged hot streak, but nothing to be worried about.
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, 2B (23)
Serna was pinch hit for in the 9th yesterday, but it was nothing as he was back in action today. 
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, HBP, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RS, BB
.239/.382/.407 in 280 PA. 
3B Josh Moylan:  0-for-1, 3 BB, K
Moylan’s first career 3 BB game. He has shown off solid plate discipline.
DH Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, 2B (11), RBI, RS, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, 2 BB
LF Nelson Medina: 0-for-4, K

RHP Blane Abeyta: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
RHP Matt Keating: (L, 3-2)  2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
4.13 ERA (48 IP, 36 H, 24 R, 22 ER, 7 HR, 18 BB, 59 K)

Tampa (30-52) (Lost to Dunedin, 4-3)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-5, 3 K
Tough nights are becoming rarer for Lombard Jr. We will toss this one.
2B Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (13), RS, SB (23), BB, K
Back-to-back multi-hit efforts for Arias. He is 4-for-5 stealing bases in his last five games. Yes, I know about his warts and have commented on them several times. He has these flashes where he shows off his pure raw talent that keeps you interested. I do not disagree with those who have lowered him in their rankings.
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, K
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, CS (3), 2 BB, K
Montero has a 6-game hitting streak (9-for-18). It has increased his triple slash from .202/.286/.337 to .232/.322/.398.
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-4, K
C Diomedes Hernandez: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
Hernandez singled in Castillo in his first Low-A plate appearance. For the FCL squad, the 19-year-old played only 14 games, going 10-for-41 (.244/.295/.244) with five runs batted in. He was called up to this level on July 5th, but this was his first game.
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, K

RHP Josh Grosz: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
Grosz dialed it up to 95.8 tonight (averaged 94.3) and mixed his three pitches well (35% 4-seamers, 33% changeups, 32% sliders). The 21-year-old owns a 5.04 ERA at this level with an 80/25 K/BB over 60.2 IP. He has allowed too many homers (9) and the walk rate isn’t ideal, but he has shown signs of dominance. Like many youngsters, he needs to find consistency.
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Nivar touched 95.2 with his sinker and struck out Joey Votto. I can only imagine what kind of thrill that is for a kid.  Standing 5’10”, control has been an issue (25/21 K/BB over 24 IP between here and the FCL)
RHP Aaron Nixon (L, 2-2): 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
4.34 ERA (45.2 IP, 28 H, 26 R, 22 ER, 1 HR, 36 BB, 47 K). He is keeping the ball in the park and striking out a decent number of hitters, but walks are an issue. Nixon pitched in big settings in college, as he pitched for Texas and Mississippi State. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent, hoping to unlock some production.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (29-17)

Their game against the FCL Tigers was postponed due to rain. They play tomorrow but switch home fields. Hence, they have not scheduled this game for tomorrow. I do not see a makeup date.

DSL Yankees (9-17) (Lost to the DSL Tigers 2, 15-4)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-5, RS, K
Peralta turned 17 today.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, 2 RS, HBP
C Justin Capellan: 2-for-3, RBI, SB (4), BB
.268/.364/.357 for the 17-year-old in his debut campaign.
LF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, SB (9), BB
DH Luis Puello: 1-for-4, RBI, K
.388/.492/.571 in 59 PA (3 doubles, 2 home runs, 12 RBI, 8 BB, 9 K)

RHP Luis Burgos: 2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
The 18-year-old’s first professional start.
RHP Keninson Diaz: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
The 20-year-old is in his third season at this level. He pitched pretty well last season (2.76 ERA in 32.2 IP with a 50/14 K/BB) but they didn’t move him up.

DSL Bombers (16-11) (Lost to the DSL Giants Orange, 3-0, in a 6-inning game)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, K
Vilorio has struggled in his first 16 professional games (.190/.254/.293 with 24 strikeouts). He does have a double, triple, and homer.
C Queni Pineda: 2-for-2, BB
.262/.458/.443 in 83 PA. He has a 22/13 BB/K

LHP Junior Tavera (L, 0-3): 3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
RHP Carlos Almonte: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
10.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K
RHP Jose Rosario: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Yankees MILB 7/10: Ben Shields Dazzles Again

News:

The Yankees have signed LHP Tim Mayza to a minor league contract.

Mayza pitched in 352 games from 2017-2024 with the Blue Jays, compiling a 3.87 ERA (3.63 FIP; 111 ERA+) in 283.2 innings. His 24.4% K and 51.9% GB rates are above league average.

Last season, Mayza had his best year to date. He compiled a 1.52 ERA in 53.1 IP with 24.7% K and 58.5% GB.

However, 2024 has been a struggle. In 35 games, he owns a ghastly 8.03 ERA (more respectable 4.92 FIP) over 24.2 IP with a minuscule 13.2% K and an alarming 38.7% GB. A reliever who can miss bats and keep the ball on the ground is gold. A reliever who can’t do either of those things is not.

To Yankees fans, Mayza’s claim to fame was allowing Aaron Judge‘s 61st home run in 2022.

There is no such thing as a bad minor-league deal. If he can figure out how to get back to his norms, he’s a solid relief pitcher. If not, he’ll be out of the organization.

Scranton (48-38) 

Their game against Syracuse was postponed due to the remnants of Beryl. There is a Tornado Watch in effect in that region.

They will attempt to play two tomorrow.

Somerset (42-41) (Defeated Erie, 9-3)

3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (23), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
.300/.378/.483 in 336 PA (23 doubles, 3 triples, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 49 R, 13-for-15 SB, 10.4% BB, 18.8% K). A reminder that his 2023 K% was 28.0%. Cowles has played 57 games (54 starts) at SS, 18 games (15 starts) at 3B, and 9 games (all starts) at 2B.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RS, BB, 2 K
.241/.321/.409 in 330 PA (13 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 47 R, 18-for-22 SB, 10.0% BB, 36.7% K)
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K
For Somerset: 21-for-79 (.266/.341/.443; 2 doubles, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Flores is 11-for-51 (.216) since his promotion but has 3 doubles and 3 home runs. 
LF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-4, 2B (15), SB (10), BB
Dunham has a 17-game hitting streak and is hitting .275/.361/.500 in 227 Double-A plate appearances. In July, he has five multi-hit efforts in eight games.
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, 2B (17), RBI, RS, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
Seigler has 20 walks in 27 June/July games. Discipline is something he has displayed throughout his minor league career.
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-fot-4, 2B (9), RS
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, RS, K

LHP Ben Shields (W, 1-0): 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Shields’ longest outing in his brief professional career. In 2 starts for Somerset: 12.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 13 K. Shields wasn’t drafted last year. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent out of George Mason. In other words, don’t expect to see him pop up on many “Top Yankees Prospects” lists. But, who cares? If you perform, people will notice.
RHP Joey Gerber: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.00 ERA (30 IP, 26 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 45 K). Like Shields, Stevens is an unheralded, undrafted prospect performing very well. Remember: The draft is shorter nowadays. More talent slips through the draft than in the past.

Hudson Valley (41-40) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 10-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, CS (3), K
.221/.365/.381 in 285 PA (16 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 45 R, 15-for-18 SB, 16.1% BB, 17.9% K).
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-2, BB, HBP
While he wasn’t pulled after the HBP, it worries you that he left the game. That said, he didn’t leave the game until he was pinch-hit for in the 9th inning of a 10-4 game.
   PH Oscar Silverio: 0-for-1, K
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-5, 2 K
.274/.356/.452 in 298 PA (22 doubles, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 36 R, 4-for-5 SB, 9.7% BB, 25.2% K).
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB, K
Martinez has an 18.1% BB and 22.5% K.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, BB, K
Gomez is 6-for-29 with a pair of home runs at this level.
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS, K
In 64 High-A games (266 PA) going back to last season, Familia is hitting .236/.312/.422 with 13 HR.
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RS, BB

LHP Kyle Carr (L, 0-6): 3 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
6.53 ERA (62 IP, 70 H, 54 R, 45 ER, 5 HR, 40 BB, 55 K). It is all about control for last year’s 3rd round pick.
RHP Cole Ayers: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
3.02 ERA (47.2 IP, 39 H, 20 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 17 BB, 56 K). Going back to 2023, he has appeared in 41 games at this level. I think he gets to Somerset this season.
LHP Joel Valdez: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

Tampa (30-51) (Defeated Dunedin, 9-8)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-6, 2B (13), 2 RS, 2 K
Lombard Jr., who owns a .708 OPS, is 9-for-30 with a double and two home runs in July. 
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, 2 RS, SB (22), BB, K
Back-to-back bullet doubles by Lombard Jr. and Arias brought home a run in the first inning.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-5, 2B (21), RBI, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, SB (13), 2 BB
Castillo continues to float under the radar. He has strong BB (18.0%) and K (19.5%) rates while playing mostly center field (50 starts). If he is a true center fielder, he is someone to watch despite a smallish frame (5’9″).
DH Willy Montero: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, K
3B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (8), 2 HBP
Montero has a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-16, 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI)
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, HBP
Since promotion: 7-for-21 with a pair of walks and strikeouts.
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, BB, 3 K

RHP Luis Serna: 3.2 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
5.97 ERA (63.1 IP, 59 H, 43 R, 42 ER, 6 HR, 21 BB, 71 K). Before tonight, the 19-year-old had never allowed multiple home runs in a game.
RHP Jordy Luciano: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Luciano (22) dialed it up to 95.5 MPH. Not bad when you stand 5’10”. The issue for him is walks (48/38 K/BB in 41 IP).
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 1-0)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Cohen’s rehab assignment continues.
RHP Montana Semmel: (S, 5)  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

FCL (29-17)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (9-16)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (16-10)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 7/9: George Lombard Jr. Goes Yard

News:

Brian Cashman said today that RHP Clayton Beeter could be out for the season with a shoulder injury. Beeter appeared in one game for the Yankees (second game of the season) before being sent down to Scranton. For Scranton, he pitched to a 2.53 ERA in 7 starts (32 IP) with a 32.8% K and 15.7% BB. He is on the minor league 7-day injured list. If the Yankees need a 40-man roster spot, a move to the MLB 60-day injured list will be a consideration. While he would rather pitch than do that, he would accrue MLB service time if the Yankees made that move.

Scranton (48-38)  (Defeated Syracuse, 8-6, in ten innings. They were down 4-0 entering the top of the 7th and 5-4 entering the top of the 9th).

SS Oswald Peraza: 2-for-5, 2B (4), RS, SB (9), BB, 2 K
Peraza smoked a leadoff double against the rehabbing Kodai Senga. He is hitting .217 with a .596 OPS.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4, BB, K
1B Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, SB (7), 2 K
47 RBI and 45 runs scored in 69 games. I see him as a Kyle Higashioka-type backup, which would be a solid outcome. And perhaps there is more…
2B Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-5, RS, SB (28), K
Lockridge’s 4th start at second base (no games in the infield before 2024)
LF Jose Rojas: 3-for-5, 2B (14), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
CF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-4, RS, BB
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-5, 2B (10), 2 RBI, RS
DH Jeter Downs: 1-for-5, HR (10), RBI, RS, K
Downs’ HR in the 9th tied the game at 5-5. He once hit 24 home runs (2019).

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HR
Gomez needed 60 pitches to complete two innings. He has a 4.21 ERA in 51.1 IP (35 H, 25 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 33 BB, 59 K). He hasn’t pitched terribly but his season has been uneven. As for trade value, his uneven season + lack of options after 2024 will reduce his value.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Chasen Shreve: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Shreve has tossed 6.1 scoreless innings since joining the organization.
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Effross has allowed 5 runs (4 earned) in 5.1 innings since joining Scranton. No need to be concerned. I expect him back shortly after the All-Star Break, as long as he is healthy.
RHP Cody Morris: (W, 6-0)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr. (S, 3): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (41-41) (Lost to Erie, 5-4)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-5
Jones made contact all night after a recent strikeout spree. We have to look at the little things to see if he can build off of them.
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
Cowles has already set personal bests for doubles (22) and RBI (44).
3B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, BB, 3 K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-5, K
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-5, RS, K
Dunham increases his hitting streak to 16.
1B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, RS, K
.231/.326/.374 in 273 PA. The 29-year-old did some catching in college and the independent leagues but never in an affiliated league before the Yankees signed him last winter. He has caught 20 games this year in addition to his work at first base, third base, left field, and right field (1 game).
LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS, K
.260/.319/.407 in 254 PA. Richardson hit double digits in HR and SB in 2022 and 2023. He needs five more home runs to do it in 2024.
DH Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-1, 2B (16), RS, SB (17), 3 BB
.226/.329/.404 in 240 PA. He set a new personal best for stolen bases in a season. In July, he is 8-for-18 with four doubles, six walks, and four stolen bases.

RHP Zach Messinger:  (L, 2-6) 6 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
The line doesn’t tell you how well he pitched. He allowed three runs in the first before putting up five zeroes. They let him start the 7th inning, he allowed a few baserunners, and both ended up scoring. This is a development setting – in an MLB game, they might pull him after the 6th inning. He owns a 3.86 ERA in 91 IP (75 H, 54 R, 39 ER, 6 HR, 30 BB, 97 K).
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (41-39) (Lost a tough one to Jersey Shore, 3-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-5, RBI, K
His on-base streak ends at 21, but he did drive in a run.
SS Jared Serna: 2-for-5, K
Back-to-back multi-hit efforts. When Serna gets hot, it tends to last. 
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, CS (3), HBP, BB
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-3, 2B (10), RS, 2 SB (8), BB
.220/.324/.453 in 180 PA. 
LF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, SB (3), BB
The 21-year-old is 13-for-45 (.289) with 6 doubles at this level.

RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
The dreaded “Injury Delay” followed by the pitcher being pulled. Let’s hope it is nothing serious.
RHP Trent Sellers: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
3.33 ERA (46 IP, 32 H, 25 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 29 BB, 56 K). A nice job after being forced into duty earlier than he thought. 
RHP Luis Arejula: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Arejula followed up Sellers with a strong outing of his own. He owns a 3.22 ERA in 36.1 IP (32 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 34 K)
RHP Mason Vinyard (L, 2-2): 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa (29-51) (Lost to Dunedin, 5-4)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Lombard Jr. crushed the homer (404 feet at 105.8 MPH).  He has three home runs in his last 16 games (0 HR in his first 59 professional games (62 if you include last year’s playoffs)). He had a .271 SLG in April, .288 in May, .370 in June, and .542 in July.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, CS (10), BB, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, BB, K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, RS
Montero has a triple and two home runs in his last three games. He set a new personal best for home runs in a season tonight.
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, CS (1), K
Gonzalez has hit safely in all six games since his promotion (8-game hitting streak overall). “Is he a legitimate prospect?” Yes. Just like many catchers in this organization. Kids like Gonzalez aren’t package headliners, but don’t be surprised if teams ask about Yankees’ catching prospects as deal sweeteners.
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-2, BB, K
LF Daury Arias: 2-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, CS (2)
Once an intriguing prospect in the DSL (he drove in 49 runs in 49 games in his debut season), Arias has struggled to get his footing since moving to a full-season league.

RHP Bryce Warrecker: 4 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
The 6’8″ Warrecker will take some time to develop. Tonight, he featured a 4-pitch mix, throwing 66% 4-seamers and sinkers along with his slider (28%) and change (6%).
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: (L, 0-2)  2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
2.43 ERA (40.2 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 5 HR, 21 BB, 48 K). His development is fascinating. Signed for $600,000 in 2018, Rodriguez features a 4-5 pitch mix but has yet to start a game (66 career appearances). As you may suspect, injuries are a part of his story.

FCL (29-17) (Knocked off the Blue Jays, 8-6. The FCL Tigers have won six in a row to pull within one game of the Yankees (2 in the loss column). The two teams square off on Thursday and Friday)

CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (14), 2 K
.305/.395/.532 in 162 PA (14 doubles, 3 triples, 4 HR, 29 RBI, 33 R, 14-for-17 SB). It will be interesting to see who gets to Low-A once the FCL season ends. Sanchez has made his case.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (4), 2 BB, K
Urena has homered three times in the last two games and is 12-for-19 in his last six games (6 doubles, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 9 R, 6 BB, 2 K). He has raised his triple slash from .205/.315/.308 to .289/.407/.557. I would say that is a hot streak.
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, 4 K
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 1-for-4, BB, K
A little downturn (8-for-28 in July, which most players would gladly take) has lowered his triple slash to .370/.472/.541. Ramirez is another Low-A possibility.
2B Gabriel Terrero: 2-for-4, 2B (5), HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, SB (12), K
The 18-year-old hit 7 HR in 37 games in the DSL last year
1B Luis Ogando: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, SB (10), BB

DSL Yankees (9-16) (Lead the DSL Nationals, 5-2, in the third inning. This game was suspended due to rain. There is no make-up date listed)

DSL Bombers (16-10) (They defeated the DSL Rangers Blue, 6-1, in the conclusion of their suspended game on Opening Day. Today’s regularly scheduled game was postponed. The Bombers hold a half-game lead over the 14-9 DSL Rangers Blue for the division lead. The DSL playoffs include 8 teams – 6 division winners + 2 wild cards)

Yankees MILB 7/6: Agustin Ramirez Homers Again

News:

There’s some time off coming up for the system. First, they are off on Sunday and Monday. Then, after a full week of games Tuesday-Sunday, they take four days off for the MLB All-Star Break (they don’t play minor league All-Star games anymore, other than the Futures Game). This only applies to full-season leagues.

Scranton (47-38)  (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 5-3)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-3, SB (27), 2 BB, K
Lockridge is 67-for-75 stealing bases between 2023-2024 (149 games).
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
Vivas is 7-for-21 with three doubles and a homer in July. He has at least one hit in 12 of his last 13 games and 15 of his last 17 games. Yes, he is a legitimate prospect. 
SS Oswald Peraza: 2-for-3, 2B (3), RS, BB, K
We have seen some signs of life lately (10-for-30 in his last eight games). The power game remains a mystery (his double tonight was his first extra-base hit in July)
C Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS
Season (including Somerset): .270/.358/.539 in 324 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 20 HR, 58 RBI, 54 R, 16-for-17 SB). For Scranton: He has homered in back-to-back games and four of his last eight games. He is also on a 5-game hitting streak. After starting 1-for-24, he is 9-for-30 with four home runs and 8 RBI. I understand there are questions about his future position, but how can you keep this kid out of your Top 100? 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (9), RBI, RS, K
Since promotion: .292/.352/.470 in 261 PA (15 doubles, 9 HR, 41 RBI, 40 R)
DH Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4, K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-4, K
3B Jeter Downs: 0-for-4

RHP Will Warren: 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 11 K, HR
Warren sets a new best for strikeouts in a game. Season: 6.64 ERA (80 IP, 87 H, 63 R, 59 ER, 17 HR, 29 BB, 96 K).
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
RHP Art Warren: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Phil Bickford: (L, 2-3)  0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (41-40) (Lost to Reading, 5-2)

DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
Last 3 games: 0-for-12, 1 BB, 11 K.  This has spiked his K% to 37.2%. If you are feeling a little concerned, it is justified. He had that 2-HR, 7 RBI performance on June 30th and an extended streak of solid hitting but has started to slump again. There is reason to be optimistic, because of the incredible tools. It’s going to be a process.
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, K
I guess he was tired after yesterday’s 7-hit effort. He is hitting .301 with a .863 OPS.
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-2, HR (4), RBI, RS, 2 BB
Hardman has 30 home runs in 99 games at this level. 
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, K
LF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-4, 2B (14), HR (8), RBI, RS
Dunham has a 15-game hitting streak. He has seven doubles and five home runs during the streak.
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, BB
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-4, 3 K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 7-6)  5 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Ex-Yankees prospect Josh Breaux hit a 2-run HR off of Selvidge. That wasn’t very nice. Season: 4.25 ERA (84.2 IP, 78 H, 50 R, 40 ER, 6 HR, 40 BB, 83 K). This is only the third time in his career (50th start) where he allowed multiple home runs.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
It has been a struggle since coming back from injury, but let’s see what happens in the second half of the season. He has only 12 innings pitched this season.
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
At this level: 8 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

Hudson Valley (41-37) (Defeated Brooklyn, 5-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, 2 RS, SB (15), 2 BB, K
Riggio has a 21-game on-base streak and has 6 stolen bases and walks in five July games. He hasn’t been caught stealing since May 10th (10 straight successful attempts)
SS Jared Serna: 2-for-4, 2B (22), K
Serna’s 19th multi-hit effort. He has 50 doubles in 197 games over the last two seasons.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
1B Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, 2 2B (9), 2 RBI, RS, BB
Martinez has six RBI in his last three games
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, RBI, CI, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RS, BB, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, 2B (6), 2 RBI, SB (2), K
DH Beau Brewer: 0-for-4
LF Nelson Medina: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Baron Stuart: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
3.36 ERA (61.2 IP, 53 H, 24 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 25 BB, 54 K). This follows up a strong start last time out (6.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K)
RHP Cole Ayers: (W, 3-3)  1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
3.00 ERA (45 IP, 36 H, 19 R, 15 ER, 3 HR, 17 BB, 55 K)
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.11 ERA (46 IP, 34 H, 23 R, 21 ER, 7 HR, 18 BB, 58 K)
RHP Huey Morrill: (S, 2) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (29-50) (Lost to Lakeland, 9-2)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4
Lombard Jr. is 6-for-21 with a triple and homer in July. He has struck out only three times this month, lowering his K% to 21.5%. 
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
.210/.303/.353 in 343 PA. Unlike Lombard Jr., Arias has struggled in the strikeout department (34.7%). 
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4
DH Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, RS, SB (12), 2 BB, K
.254/.381/.416 in 257 PA. A trip to Hudson Valley seems inevitable.
3B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, 3B (4), RBI, BB
.221/.302/.378 in 192 PA (4 doubles, 4 triples, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 26 R, 6-for-8 SB). He is 6-for-18 with two triples and a home run in July.
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4
Gonzalez is 6-for-14 since his promotion.
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (9), RS, K
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, 2 K

RHP Danny Flatt: (L, 0-1)  2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Flatt’s Low-A debut after pitching to a 2.90 ERA in 31 FCL innings. The Yankees drafted him in the 14th round of the 2023 draft out of P27 Academy. P27 is a baseball academy located in South Carolina. To date, he is one of three players (first pitcher) drafted out of the academy, joining Logan Wagner (Dodgers, 2022; SS) and Alfonsin Rosario (Cubs, 2023; OF). His 4-seam fastball topped out at 92.4 and he mixed in a change and curve.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Cohen’s rehab stint continues.
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

FCL (27-17) (Lost two big games (for playoff purposes!) to the FCL Phillies)

Game 1 (Lost, 3-2, in 8 innings)

1B Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, 2B (6), RS, 2 SB (3), 2 BB
I don’t see “speedster” in his profile.
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, RS, SB (4), BB
DH Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, SB (2), BB, K
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 0-for-4, 3 K
His season has been so strong that he deserves an update even on bad days.
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, CS (6), BB
2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-2, 2B (2), 2 BB

RHP Chase Hampton: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
I assume he will make his way to Somerset after the All-Star Break.
RHP Carlos Lagrange: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Just like Hampton, Lagrange is coming back from injury. The results don’t yet matter.
RHP Chalniel Arias: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Today was rehab day in the FCL, as Arias made his first appearance in 2024. The 20-year-old pitched to a 3.09 ERA in 11 starts between the DSL/FCL in 2023 with a 61/17 K/BB over 46.2 innings.
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Pacheco (who is 25) signed a minor-league contract on June 11th. In the Mexican League this season, he pitched to a 2.78 ERA in 22.2 IP with a 14/5 K/BB.  He spent the 2017-2019 seasons in the Phillies organizations (never above the FCL level) and resurfaced in the independent/winter leagues in 2022.

Game 2 (Lost, 16-3)

CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-3, RS
.303/.395/.538 in 152 PA with 12 stolen bases in 14 attempts. 
DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-2, RS, BB
The 18-year-old has 50 RBI and 49 runs in 77 career games. Additionally, he has more walks (66) than strikeouts (56).
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-3, 2B (7), 2 RBI, RS
Urena has five doubles in his last four games. He is a bat to watch. Season: .253/.361/.429 in 108 PA (7 doubles, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 17 R, 3-for-4 SB, 14 BB, 15 K)
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 1-for-3
Today’s performance leaves his triple slash at .381/.483/.563 in 152 PA (13 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 28 R, 6-for-7 SB, 25 BB, 20 K)

RHP Brian Arias: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Yet another pitcher making his 2024 debut. In 36.2 innings for the DSL squads between 2021-2023, the 20-year-old pitched to a 4.91 ERA in 36.2 IP with a 41/26 K/BB.

DSL Yankees (9-15) (Lost to the Rangers Red, 3-2)

3B Richard Matic: 1-for-5, 3 K
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RS, BB
.255/.339/.353 in 59 PA. This is the 17-year-old’s debut season.
CF Louis Pierre: 0-for-3, 2 SB (5), 2 BB
DH Luis Puello: 2-for-5, RS
18-for-42 (.429) with a pair of homers and 11 RBI.
RF Fidel Montero: 1-for-2, 2B (2), SB (3), 2 BB
LF Yael Zapata: 0-for-4, 3 K
Zapata (18) is looking for that elusive first career hit.

RHP Jesus Mejia: 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Mejia has yet to give up a run in his career (7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 5 K)
LHP Ronald Tejada: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
13.2 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 11 K.
RHP Rafael Arias: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Arias (20) has an 8/1 K/BB over 3.1 innings in his debut campaign.

DSL Bombers (14-10) (Split two games against the DSL Tigers 1)

Game 1 (Won, 5-2. This was the completion of a game started on July 2nd)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-5, RBI, SB (5), 3 K
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (6), K
LF David Carrera: 1-for-1, RS, 3 BB
C Carlos Rondon: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, BB

RHP Jerson Alejandro (W, 1-3): 4.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Alejandro is 6’6″ and has the control issues that often come with that. At 18, he has time to work through them.
RHP Joshua Leito: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
The 19-year-old “shortstop” may not be any longer. He hasn’t played one game in the field this season while making three relief appearances. For someone with zero pitching experience, he has done well for himself: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
LHP Jose Ledesma (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 5-3)

DH Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-4, RS, K
RF Browm Martinez: 1-for-3
CF Angel Ventura: 2-for-2, RBI, RS, BB
The 18-year-old is 8-for-35 (.229) in his debut season (8-for-9 SB)
3B Luis Suarez: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS
2B Juan Araujo: 1-for-3, RBI, K
The 17-year-old has played in only three games (2-for-5)

RHP Enixon Sanchez: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
Your reminder that Sanchez is only 16 years old (12 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 10 K)

Yankees MILB 7/5: Ben Cowles’ Big Day

News:

RHP Phil Bickford rejected an outright assignment a few days ago. Today, he re-signed with the Yankees. Veterans often do this to earn extra money on minor league deals if they can’t secure an MLB opportunity elsewhere.

Scranton (47-37)  (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 7-4)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, SAC, CS (3)
.293/.406/.389 in 189 PA. I can’t wait until Lockridge makes his debut – it might not be with the Yankees, but I think someone is going to give him a shot.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-3, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS, SB (8), BB
On a night when Gleyber Torres leaves the game, Vivas has another big effort. He is hitting .269/.409/.429 in 152 PA. As for his ability to play third base: The scouting reports aren’t favorable and the Dodgers scaled back his time last season. The Yankees have used him sparingly there, indicating that they think he can handle it to an extent. Perhaps a “break glass in case of emergency” type of deal. If you believe reports, if Vivas is going to make it, it will be as a second baseman.
2B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, K
Peraza, another option to call up, is hitting .201/.318/.236. I am a big Peraza fan. I wanted him to take over SS for the Yankees halfway through 2022. But I can’t justify him being called up. He has not earned that.
1B Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS, K
Ramirez has homered three times in his last seven games.
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-3, 2B (17), RS, CS (1), BB, K
Narvaez’s strong year continues: .269/.390/.454 in 292 PA (17 doubles, 9 HR, 45 RBI, 44 R). The 45 RBI are a personal best for RBI in a season. If the Yankees move on from Jose Trevino after 2024, Narvaez is a candidate to play with Austin Wells next season. We are a while away from worrying about that.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-3, 2B (11), HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
DH Jeter Downs: 1-for-4, RBI, RS
I have been asked about Downs. Given his name and prospect pedigree, fun story to follow. Do I think he is an MLB difference-maker at this stage? Probably not. But players figure things out at different rates. 
SS Kevin Smith: 1-for-4, RS, K

RHP JT Brubaker: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 1 K, HR
Once his rehab stint is over, the Yankees must add him to the 40-man roster. The good news is that he has options. He is an interesting depth piece because he can be a starter/reliever/swingman.
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
For Scranton: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. Yes, we want to see zeroes – but we are still in a stage where the work is the most important thing.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: (W, 5-0)  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Jack Neely: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Neely needed 30 pitches to get through his first inning but was able to come out to record two more outs. Everything they ask him to do has a purpose. He has yet to do back-to-back days, but you don’t necessarily have to prove you can do that in the minors.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
7 pitchers were used tonight. Thankfully for them, the squad has Sunday and Monday off.

Somerset (41-39) (Won two games against Reading)

Game 1 (Won, 8-2, in the conclusion of last night’s suspended game. This one went the full 9 innings)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K
SS Ben Cowles: 4-for-5, 2B (22), HR (7), 3 RBI, 2 RS, CS (2)
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RBI, CI, 2 K
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS, HBP, K
Flores has three doubles and two home runs in 9 games since his promotion.
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-5, 2B (13), K
Dunham increases his hitting streak to 13.
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, RS
RF Jared Wegner: 2-for-3, RS, BB
.248/.337/.393 in 205 PA.
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3, 2B (15), RS, BB
This is Seigler’s third double in four July games.
3B Max Burt: 1-for-3, HR (4), SF, 2 RBI, RS, K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
At least he got three innings in before the rain started. Season: 5.67 ERA (85.2 IP, 94 H, 57 R, 54 ER, 9 HR, 27 BB, 83 K). His numbers were impacted greatly by his last two starts (8 IP, 22 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 4 BB, 9 K).
RHP Yorlin Calderon: (W, 1-1)  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Velasquez: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Joey Gerber: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Won, 5-4)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 4 K
Once he starts to reel you in, he has a 0-for-8 doubleheader with 7 strikeouts. He has to move on to tomorrow. 
2B Ben Cowles: 3-for-3, HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Have yourself a day, Ben Cowles!  His Game 1 homer was hit last night, but still – 7 hits in two games is insanity.  He entered the two games hitting .289/.367/.456 and is now hitting .306/.382/.493. 
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RS, K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB
DH Elijah Dunham: 2-for-3, HR (7, grand slam), 4 RBI, RS, BB
Dunham has a 14-game hitting streak. His grand slam was hit in the top of the 7th (final inning) with the team down 3-1. He owns a .267 average with a .838 OPS. Before the hitting streak, he was hitting .233/.344/.411 (.755 OPS).
3B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, 2B (16)
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, K
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Max Burt: 0-for-3, K

RHP Bailey Dees: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
3.93 ERA (84.2 IP, 73 H, 42 R, 37 ER, 10 HR, 28 BB, 88 K). I love how he has taken to starting.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
After 16.1 scoreless innings, Reyzelman gives up his first run in 2024.
RHP Kevin Stevens (S, 5): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
The bottom of the 7th was an adventure, but he worked his way through it.

Hudson Valley (40-37) (Lost to Brooklyn, 8-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2 RS, 3 SB (14), BB
This is the player the Yankees drafted – a pest who can play second base, has sneaky pop and can steal you a base. He owns a 21-game on-base streak.
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-4, K
LF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (22), RBI, RS, K
Avina has 30 extra-base hits (22 doubles, 8 HR) in 64 games. 
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, RBI, K
RF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, K
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 3-3)  4.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
2.97 ERA (63.2 IP, 42 H, 29 R, 21 ER, 6 HR, 32 BB, 81 K)
LHP Joel Valdez: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K

Tampa (29-49) (Swept a doubleheader against Lakeland)

Game 1 (Won, 2-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, BB, K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, RS
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, RS, K
DH Hans Montero: 2-for-3, RBI
LF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, RBI
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-2, K

RHP Steven Fulgencio: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Only his second career start.
RHP Cade Smith: (W, 4-6) 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
4.05 ERA (66.2 IP, 51 H, 36 R, 30 ER, 5 HR, 33 BB, 85 K)

Game 2 (Won, 7-6)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, RS, SB (24), K
.233/.362/.330 with 24 stolen bases in 27 attempts. I like what I see.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-1
   Tejeda left the game due to an injury. Update: Virginia Yankee (on Twitter) said Tejeda was helped off the field. Ugh.
  PR-3B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS, K
Tejeda’s replacement hits a huge 2-run HR in the bottom of the 6th to give Tampa the lead.
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, 2 RS, 2 SB (21), BB, K
Arias is 21-for-30 in the stolen base department. He started the season 5-for-10 and is 16-for-20 (80%) since. This is the type of potential Arias has – he can be disruptive on days when he doesn’t earn hits. There is a lot of work to do, I am not going to lie.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2B (20), RBI, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-2, 2B (14), RBI, RS, SB (11), BB
.256/.379/.420 in 253 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 39 R, 11-for-15 SB). 
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-3
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, K
Gonzalez is 5-for-10 with three RBI since his promotion.
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-3, SB (22), K
Once of the strangest stories in their system is the spike in stolen bases for Morales.
RF Daury Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (6), K

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
RHP Jordy Luciano: (W, 1-3)  2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: (S, 3)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

FCL (27-15) (Defeated the FCL Phillies, 4-2. This was the conclusion of a game started on June 27th. They didn’t play a regularly scheduled game today, but will play two tomorrow).

We are rapidly approaching the end of the FCL season (July 25th). The Yankees own a 2.5-game lead over the Tigers for the division title. That is the easiest path to the playoffs.

RF Anthony Hall: 3-for-4, RBI, RS
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2B (9), 2 RBI
.395/.500/.588 in 145 PA (13 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 28 R, 6-for-7 SB). Before you ask: Everything in the boxscore is retroactive. That is why you see 9 doubles in the box score but 13 overall!

RHP Sabier Marte: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
One of the most-used pitchers thus far at this level, Marte owns a 2.65 ERA in 37.1 innings with a 33/16 K/BB.
RHP Andrew Landry: 2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
The 22-year-old was the Yankees’ 16th-round pick in 2023 out of Southeastern Louisiana. In his final year of college, he started full-time.
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz (W, 4-0): 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

DSL Yankees (9-14) (Lost to the DSL Bombers, 4-0)

LF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-4, SB (8)
C Luis Puello: 1-for-3
DH Diego Flores: 1-for-2, SB (1), BB
The 17-year-old catcher is 3-for-14 in his debut season.

RHP Emanuel Vargas: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Vargas is 18 years old. If you think I know much about 99% of the players here, you give me too much credit.

DSL Bombers (13-9) (Defeated the DSL Yankees, 4-0)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-4, K
DH Queni Pineda: 1-for-2, 2B (5), RS, BB
The 17-year-old continues to be featured prominently in these reports. That is what a .264/.458/.472 line will do.
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-2, RS, SB (15), BB
15-for-17 stealing bases in 17 games. Despite how crazy that is, he ranks 8th in the league in stolen bases.
LF Angel Ventura: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, RS, SB (8), K
The 18-year-old is hitting .182/.308/.212 with 8 stolen bases in 9 attempts.

RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 3-0): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
The 21-year-old owns a 2.50 ERA in 68.1 IP over the last two seasons (85/15 K/BB). That seems like enough for a promotion.
RHP Anthony Mena: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Richard Jimenez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Yankees MILB 7/4: Jorbit Vivas Doubles Twice

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Happy 4th of July!

LHP Henry Lalane made his 2024 debut today. Standing 6’7″, Lalane was born in the Bronx but moved to the Dominican Republic when he was four months old (which is why he was an international signing and not a draftee). What makes him interesting? A kid his size typically has control issues, which showed up in his 2022 debut season. However, last year, he compiled a 34/4 K/BB over 21.2 IP. Don’t expect instant gratification – he has to develop a third pitch to go with his fastball/change combination (for now, the third pitch is a slider) and has yet to make his full-season debut. His talent could be that of a unicorn, but we are years away from knowing what direction he will go in.

Scranton (46-37)  (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 7-5)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), RBI, 2 RS, HBP
Going back to 6/13: 18 games; 21-for-65 (.323; 5 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 13 R, 13 BB, 13 K). Yes, he has found his groove and it is impressive.
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, BB, K
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, K
Last 7 games: 6-for-22 (.273; 2 HR)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB
DH Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4, 2 K
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, RS
   PR-CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-0
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K
CF-LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RS, K
3B Jeter Downs: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
.277/.382/.524 in 234 PA (14 doubles, 3 triples, 9 HR, 34 RBI, 39 R, 14-for-20 SB)

LHP Edgar Barclay: (L, 3-7)  5 IP, 11 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 3 HR
After his promotion last year, Barclay has struggled in Triple-A. Would they consider moving him back into a bullpen/swingman role?
RHP Cody Morris: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.03 ERA (26.1 IP, 19 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 30 K). It may not be with the Yankees, but I expect to see the 27-year-old get a chance somewhere. He is a 4-seamer, slider type.
LHP Chasen Shreve: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (39-39) (Their game against Reading was suspended due to unplayable playing conditions in the top of the 4th (Somerset has a 5-0 lead). They will resume it tomorrow. This happens sometimes in the minors: The field is unplayable even when the rain stops)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-1, RS, BB, K
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-2, HR (7), 3 RBI, RS
This will be Cowles’ 4th 3-RBI game this season.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-2, K
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-1, HR (2), RBI, RS, HBP
Flores has three doubles and two home runs in 9 games since his promotion.
LF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-2
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-1
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-1, RS
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-1, 2B (15), RS
This is Seigler’s third double in four July games.
3B Max Burt: 0-for-0, SF, RBI

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
At least he got three innings in before the rain started. Season: 5.67 ERA (85.2 IP, 94 H, 57 R, 54 ER, 9 HR, 27 BB, 83 K). His numbers were impacted greatly by his last two starts (8 IP, 22 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 4 BB, 9 K).

Hudson Valley (40-37) (Shut down Brooklyn, 6-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2B (16), RS, HBP
Riggio has a 20-game on-base streak and has doubled in seven of his last eight games.  He is hitting .229/.374/.402 in 265 PA with a 16.2% BB and 17.7% K. The walks have been there all year – it’s nice to see the rest of his offensive game start to heat up.
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-5, 2B (21), RS
Serna is tied for second in the Sally League in doubles and RBI (52). 
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, HR (9), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
.238/.381/.410 in 260 PA. For Tampa in 2023, he hit .251/.367/.445. 
C Antonio Gomez: 2-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS, K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
Moylan’s first career stolen base.
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Kiko Romero: 2-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS, SB (5)
.223/.357/.392 in 157 PA. 
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, SB (8), BB, K

RHP Blane Abeyta: (W, 1-1)  6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
A solid start for the 25-year-old. He essentially is a minor-league innings eater for the Yankees, but there’s no shame in that.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
4.20 ERA (45 IP, 34 H, 23 R, 21 ER, 7 HR, 18 BB, 56 K). Keating recently had rough outings (2 IP, 4 R; 1 IP, 5 R) but has been solid most of the season.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.45 ERA (44 IP, 33 H, 16 R, 12 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 54 K). Ayers (24) is up to 62 IP at this level. I assume he will make his way to Somerset sometime in the second half.

Tampa (27-49) (Lost a tough one to Lakeland, 1-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4
Lombard Jr.’s OPS briefly went over .700 tonight but ended the night at .699. Going back to June 11th: 19 games; 21-for-72 (.292; 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 11 R, 9 BB, 16 K, 8-for-10 SB)
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, SB (24)
Between here and the FCL (rehab stint), Tejeda has 26 stolen bases in 46 games.
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (11), K
Arias’ first extra-base hit against an LHP this season.
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, HBP
  PR Coby Morales: 0-for-0
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4
RF Daury Arias: 1-for-3

RHP Bryce Warrecker: (L, 0-2)  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Warrecker was pulled only because there was a long rain delay.
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
1.86 ERA (38.2 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 5 HR, 20 BB, 45 K). 
RHP Montana Semmel: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Gabonia owns a 4.62 ERA with a 45/10 K/BB over 39 IP.

FCL (26-15) (Lost to the Tigers, 8-1)

CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-3, SB (12), BB
1B Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS, K
He has 5 doubles and 3 homers in 24 games.
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (12)
Ramirez is back to .400. Statistics at this level can be misleading, but .400/.507/.591 stands out. That is *not* normal at this level.

LHP Henry Lalane: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
Results won’t matter for a while.
RHP Omar Gonzalez: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
The 18-year-old didn’t want to be overshadowed today! Standing 6’4″, walks have been an issue (18 in 18.2 IP this year).
RHP Chris Kean: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Kean likely needs his ticket to Low-A Tampa stamped.

DSL Yankees (9-13) (Lost to the DSL Cardinals, 2-1)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-4, SB (8), K
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, K
.255/.333/.340 in 54 PA for the 17-year-old.

RHP Luis Burgos: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (12-9) (Lost to the DSL Mets Orange, 9-5)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
He filled in the “triples” and “home runs” columns earlier this season. He is hitting .270/.357/.432 in 42 PA with 10 runs batted in.
2B Luis Escudero: 0-for-3, RS, 2 SB (14), BB, K
14-for-16 stealing bases in 16 games. 
LF Angel Ventura: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, RS, SB (8), K
The 18-year-old is hitting .182/.308/.212 with 8 stolen bases in 9 attempts.

RHP Carlos Almonte: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
8 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K