Yankees MILB 4/13: Spencer Jones Homers Twice

Notes:

I have nothing fun to report.


Scranton (9-5) (Swept a doubleheader over Rochester)

Game 1 (Walked it off in a 3-2 win)

DH Cooper Hummel: 0-for-2, BB, K
   PH T.J. Rumfield0-for-0, R, BB
2B Jorbit Vivas1-for-3, RBI, BB
Vivas walked it off in the bottom of the 7th.
LF Everson Pereira0-for-3, 2 K
.250/.326/.350 in 46 PA (10.9% BB, 36.9% K).
RF Ismael Munguia0-for-2, R, BB
1B Dominic Smith0-for-3
3B Jose Rojas1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, R
C Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-2, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI
CF Duke Ellis0-for-3, K

RHP Zach Messinger3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
4.63 ERA (11.2 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 9 K). One thing that Messinger limits is long balls (9 HR in 150 IP last season). He can work his way to MLB this season, but remember that A) the Yankees didn’t invite him to spring training and B) he was exposed in the Rule 5 draft and nobody took him, despite some upper-level success.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Tyler Matzek1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Matzek topped out at 95.9 MPH. At 34 years old, he can still bring it.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Won, 8-0)

RF Ismael Munguia2-for-2, 3 R, SB (3), 2 BB
Munguia is hitting .314 with a .773 OPS (2 doubles, 3 RBI, 10 R, 5 BB, 5 K)
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 R, HBP, BB
Rodriguez was promoted here today, but it is likely because they needed a body for the doubleheader. I imagine he will be back in an Uber to Somerset tonight.
3B Jorbit Vivas3-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, R, CS (2)
Vivas is hitting .306 with a .900 OPS (3 doubles, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 9 R, 14.5% BB, 6.5% K).  He had a 16.7% K last season.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-2, 2B (5), 3 RBI, HBP, BB
There certainly can come a time when Rumfield (5 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI in 14 games) asks what more he needs to do. The good news is that, eventually, the Yankees have to add him to the 40-man or risk losing him to minor league free agency.
LF Dominic Smith1-for-4
DH Jose Rojas0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
2B Andrew Velazquez0-for-3
SS Braden Shewmake2-for-3, 2B (1), R
CF Duke Ellis1-for-3, R, 2 SB (2), K

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 1-2)  5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
The 28-year-old Boyle has toiled in the system since 2018. He would be a fun story if he made it to MLB, but he has to earn that. Due to injuries, he was limited to 56 total innings in 2023-2024 (155.1 innings in 2022).
RHP Wilking Rodriguez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Brent Headrick1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K


Somerset (4-5) (Lost to Reading, 8-7)

2B Dylan Jasso2-for-5, 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 R
Jasso’s first professional game at 2B. Are they trying to add some utility to his profile (normally plays 1B/3B)?
CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 R, SB (3), 2 K
Jones has four career multi-HR games. He is hitting .290/.421/.613 (1 double, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R, 3-for-3 SB, 15.8% BB, 36.8% K)
C Rafael Flores0-for-5, 2 K
.219/.324/.438 in 37 PA. He is in a little 1-for-15 slide.
RF Garrett Martin0-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman2-for-4, 2B (4), SB (2), K
Hardman has doubled in three straight games.
LF Grant Richardson1-for-4, K
DH Jared Wegner0-for-4, 2 K
3B Jake Gatewood: 3-for-4, 2 2B (5), 3B (1), 2 R
Gatewood is turning on the extra-base hit machine (two doubles yesterday, two doubles and a triple today).
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K

RHP Trent Sellers4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Sellers had a strong first season in 2024.  It will be interesting to see how he fares in Somerset.
RHP Jordany Ventura1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
RHP Luis Pacheco0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Danny Watson (L, 0-1): 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
A rough day at the office – have to shake it off. 


Hudson Valley (5-4) (Lost to Brooklyn, 8-1)

CF Brendan Jones0-for-4, 4 K
Toss this game out and move on to the next.
SS George Lombard Jr.2-for-4, K
Back-to-back multi-hit efforts. The power hasn’t shown up yet at this level (one extra-base hit in 8 games; 9 in 37 games going back to last year), but he is otherwise doing well for a teenager (.286/.417/.357).
LF Jackson Castillo1-for-3, BB, K
.276/.400/.379 in 35 PA.
CF Jace Avina0-for-3, HBP, K
C Omar Martinez0-for-4, K
2B Jose Colmenares1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R
Colmenares (23) hit 7 HR in 26 games for Low-A Tampa last year.
1B Coby Morales0-for-3, BB
3B Brenny Escanio0-for-3, 2 K
DH Kiko Romero0-for-3

RHP Bryce Cunningham6 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
Not as smooth as his professional debut, but to his credit, he allowed one run after a 5-run first inning. He owns a 13/1 K/BB in 11 innings.
RHP Huey Morrill1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Hayden Merda1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K


Tampa (5-4) (Use a 4-run first to knock off Fort Myers, 4-2)

C Edgleen Perez0-for-4, R, BB, K
CF Brian Sanchez2-for-5, 2B (3), 2 K
.281/.361/.500 in 36 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 7 K). He’s only 20, 
DH Engelth Urena1-for-3, R, SB (2), CS (1), 2 BB, K
A lot of excitement over this kid’s bat and he showed some of that potential in the FCL last year. Like everyone, he has to prove it in a full-season league. On the positive side, he is taking his walks (9 in eight games).
3B Parks Harber2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (2), 3 RBI, R, 2 K
Harber’s home run was crushed (399 feet/107.9 MPH). Four of Harber’s eight hits have gone for extra bases (1 double, 1 triple, 2 HR). He has ten RBI in nine games.
LF Tyler Wilson0-for-4, 4 K
RF Dillon Lewis2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K
Speaking of crushed homers, Lewis’s home run was hit 383 feet at 109.3 MPH. 
2B Hans Montero1-for-4, K
SS Juan Matheus0-for-2, 2 SB (2), 2 BB
Matheus has five walks and two strikeouts in six games (94 BB, 84 K in 115 career games). He also has 40 career stolen bases (though he has been caught 18 times)
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, SB (2), BB, K

RHP Gage Ziehl4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Professional debut for the 21-year-old drafted in the 4th round last year (Miami). He threw 50% cutters (maxed 92.7), 24% 4-seamers (maxed 94.4), 24% sliders, and one sinker. For Miami in 2024, he went 5-3 with a 3.87 ERA and 89/28 K/BB over 100 innings. The Yankees system, seen as mid-pack or lower by most, can take a significant step forward if their 2024 draft bears some pitching fruit. It is their specialty. While it is too early to conclude anything, their drafted arms are off to good starts.
RHP Brandon Decker (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Decker’s first professional win. He relies more on an assortment of pitches than power, though he did top out at 93.3 with his sinker today.
RHP Tony Rossi1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Rossi is already 25 and will be fast-tracked if he shows anything. His sinker reached 93.6 MPH today.
RHP Chris Veach (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Veach threw 71% change-ups and 14% curveballs. Pitchers who rely on breaking balls/changeups often can confuse batters at the lower levels, even if those pitchers aren’t elite, so we’ll see how it translates as he moves up. 


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/12: Greysen Carter Hits 99.5 MPH

Notes:

RHP Allan Winans was called up to take Marcus Stroman‘s roster spot.

Winans (29) was selected off waivers from the Braves over the winter. He was drafted by the Mets in the 17th round in 2018 and spent four years in the organization before being sent to the Braves as “part of a conditional trade” in 2021. In MLB, he has made eight starts, going 1-4 with a 7.20 ERA in 40 innings with a 20.9% K, 6.6% BB, and 46.9% GB.


Scranton (7-5)

Their game against Rochester was postponed. They will try to make it up on May 7th.


Somerset (4-4) (Swept a doubleheader over Reading)

Game 1 (Won, 10-5)

3B Dylan Jasso2-for-4, RBI, 2 R
Jasso swatted 44 extra-base hits (including 30 doubles) in 120 games last season. He is still looking for his first in 2025 (five games).
CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, R, 2 K
C Rafael Flores1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, R, BB, K
RF Cole Gabrielson2-for-3, 2B (2), SF, 3 RBI, R
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI
CF Garrett Martin0-for-3, R, SB (2), K
LF Jared Wegner2-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R
Wegner hit the organization’s only home run today.
SS Jake Gatewood0-for-1, R, 2 BB
2B Max Burt1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, R

RHP Baron Stuart2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Somerset debut for Stuart (he already made his Scranton debut last year, when he tossed a 7-inning complete game during a doubleheader). The 25-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022 (Pitt).
RHP Mason Vinyard1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Colby White: (W, 1-1)  1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
White was claimed off waivers from the Rays in 2024. He has yet to make his MLB debut.
LHP Ryan Anderson2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Game 2 (Won, 4-1)

C Jesus Rodriguez1-for-3, RBI, SB (1), K
LF Spencer Jones0-for-3, 2 K
Jones’s first career game in LF (all 224 of his non-DH starts were in CF before tonight). He has three career innings in RF as well. His K% sits at 36.4%.
DH Rafael Flores0-for-3, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-2, 2B (3), R, SB (1), BB
CF Cole Gabrielson0-for-0, R, SB (3), 3 BB
Gabrielson’s first career 3 BB game.
RF Grant Richardson0-for-2, SAC, K
3B Jake Gatewood: 2-for-3, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, R, K
Gatewood had a 40 double campaign in 2017. 
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3, R, SB (1)
2B Max Burt0-for-3

LHP Edgar Barclay3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: (W, 1-1) 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Diaz was the other prospect (along with Caleb Durbin) the Yankees acquired for Lucas Luetge in December 2022.
RHP Kelly Austin: (S, 1)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Hudson Valley (5-3) (Split a doubleheader against Brooklyn)

Game 1 (Won, 2-0)

CF Brendan Jones2-for-4, R, CS (1)
.160/.276/.280 in 29 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 3 RBI, 3 R, 3-for-4 SB, 4 BB, 10 K). The caught stealing was the first in his career (21-for-22 SB)
2B George Lombard Jr.2-for-4, R
Lombard Jr. played 19 games at 2B in 2024.  This season (7 games): .250/.406/.333 in 32 plate appearances.
RF Jackson Castillo1-for-3, 2B (3), BB, K
LF Jace Avina0-for-2, BB, 2 K
DH Omar Martinez1-for-2, RBI, BB
3B Josh Moylan0-for-2, BB, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez0-for-3, K
.316/.350/.632 in 20 PA (1 BB, 7 K)
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-3, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero0-for-3, K

LHP Kyle Carr4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Carr threw 61 pitches this afternoon. In two starts: 8.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 8 K. The Yankees aggressively placed him here to begin his career last year, and he had his share of struggles. Hopefully, he is more comfortable in 2025.
RHP Chris Kean (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
28 career games: 0.99 ERA (36.1 IP, 20 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 47 K). They signed Kean as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
RHP Cole Ayers (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
4.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K. Ayers has thrown in 50 games at this level and should get back to Somerset (8 appearances there last year) this season.

Game 2 (Lost, 2-1. They loaded the bases (and scored a run) with one out in the 7th, but couldn’t push across the tying run.)

CF Jace Avina1-for-2, RBI, SB (1), HBP, BB
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-3, BB, K
.269/.387/.385 in 35 PA (3 doubles, 7 RBI, 2-for-2 SB, 6 BB, 9 K). Castillo isn’t on their top prospects lists, but he is interesting.
C Omar Martinez0-for-3, K
.276/.382/.345 in 34 PA (2 doubles, 4 RBI, 2 R, 5 BB, 12 K)
2B Jose Colmenares1-for-3, K
3B Josh Moylan0-for-3, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-3, 2 K
1B Coby Morales1-for-3, 3B (1), R
DH Tomas Frick0-for-2, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall1-for-2, BB, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (L, 0-1)  5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
9.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 9 K. Given he came from the Red Sox for Carlos Narvaez, the spotlight will be brighter than your typical “lottery ticket” type.
RHP Tyrone Yulie1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Yulie has been used as a short reliever in his first three games this season. Before this season, 57 of his 59 appearances were starts.


Tampa (4-4) (Lost to Fort Myers, 2-1)

SS Roderick Arias0-for-5, 2 K
.147/.275/.206 in 40 PA.
DH Edgleen Perez1-for-4, BB, 3 K
“If he continues to struggle, could he be demoted to the FCL?”  Since he is only 18, it’s possible, but I wouldn’t call it probable. We still have several weeks until the FCL begins, so keep throwing Perez out there.
CF Brian Sanchez0-for-4, CS (1), BB
C Engelth Urena1-for-5, 2B (2), R, SB (1), K
Urena steals home on the backend of a double steal.
3B Parks Harber1-for-3, SB (2), BB, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, 2 SB (3), K
8-for-27  with eight walks and ten strikeouts.
RF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, SB (3), K
2B Juan Matheus0-for-3, BB
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Greysen Carter: (L, 0-1)  3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Carter doesn’t always know where the ball is going, but he topped out at 99.5 MPH today. In addition to the 4-seamer, he can dial it up with his cutter (98.6 max; 94.9 average) and features a slider and curve. This is a golden arm that they need to harness.
RHP Brady Kirtner1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Jack Sokol2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Alex Bustamante1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/11: Roderick Arias: 2 Hits, BB

Notes:

“Are you ever returning to the Twitter platform for your minor league stuff?”

I don’t know. However, I rather enjoy not being on that platform at the moment. Why try to play Whack-a-Mole with a bunch of dumb blue-check takes when I can ignore it altogether?  I miss some aspects of interacting with other minor league fans, families of the players, and even the prospects themselves. But I am enjoying what feels like going back to my roots of providing minor league content at my pace with no stress attached.


Scranton (7-5) (Defeated Rochester, 8-7, in 11 innings, on a 2-out, pinch-hit walk-off home run!)

RF Ismael Munguia1-for-4, SF, RBI, SAC
2B Jorbit Vivas0-for-3, CI, 2 BB
CF Everson Pereira1-for-6, 2B (1), R, 3 K
10-for-37 (1 double, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R, 2-for-2 SB, 5 BB, 15 K). One thing I don’t worry about with Pereira is power – it will come.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, 2 R, BB
14-for-48 (4 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 12 R, 8 BB, 7 K).  He owns a .967 OPS.
DH-P Cooper Hummel0-for-4, R, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Dominic Smith0-for-2, R, 3 BB, K
   PR-LF Duke Ellis0-for-1
Alex Jackson2-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, R, BB, K
   PH Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-1, HR (2), 2 RBI, R
Walk-off HR for Hernandez with two outs in the 11th!
3B Jose Rojas1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, BB, K
   3B Andrew Velazquez0-for-1
SS Braden Shewmake0-for-3, R, SB (1), BB, HBP
Shewmake is an impressive 54-for-61 (88.5%) stealing bases in his minor league career (5-for-6 in his MLB career)

RHP Jake Woodford3.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Woodford, a sinker/sweeper type, maxed at 92.3 with his sinker and 92.7 with his 4-seamer. He needs to be watched because he has MLB experience and is somewhere on the depth chart.
RHP Colten Brewer1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Brewer maxed at 94.1 with his sinker.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Reyzelman threw 18 4-seamers and six sweepers. He maxed at 96 MPH (good) and averaged 93.5.
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Castro walked in the tying run (9th) but got out of quite a pickle. He then struck out two to strand the ghost runner in the 10th, but Hummel allowed his ghost runner in the 11th. The Yankees signed the 26-year-old last year, but he missed the season due to injury.
RHP Cooper Hummel: (W, 1-0)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Hummel’s 5th career minor league pitching appearance results in a win!


Somerset (2-4)

Their game against Reading was postponed due to rain. They will attempt to play two tomorrow.


Hudson Valley (4-2) 

Their game against Brooklyn was postponed due to rain. They will attempt to play two tomorrow.


Tampa (4-3) (Lost to Fort Myers, 6-3)

3B-SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, RBI, R, BB
Arias’s first start away from SS this season (third career start at 3B).  After a horrible start to his campaign, Arias has back-to-back multi-hit efforts.
C Edgleen Perez0-for-5, 4 K
It has been a struggle (3-for-20, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K). Why shouldn’t we worry? He is an 18-year-old catcher getting his first taste of full-season ball.  He deserves a LOT of rope.
1B-3B Parks Harber1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
DH Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
LF Dillon Lewis0-for-4, SB (2)
RF Austin Green0-for-2
  1B Josue Gonzalez2-for-2, 2B (1), RBI
No better feeling than earning a pair of hits on a night when you don’t start.
2B-RF Hans Montero0-for-4, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (3), BB
It is never wise to walk Toole. The 22-year-old is 11-for-13 stealing bases in his brief 21-game career.
SS-2B Juan Matheus1-for-4, 2B (1), K
The 20-year-old had a big season in the FCL last year (.321/.429/.488 with five homers and 40 RBI in 49 games). He is off to a slow start here (2-for-12), but it’s early. By the way, he has more career walks (91) than strikeouts (84).

LHP Tanner Bauman: (L, 0-1)  2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
After a successful first start, Bauman struggles in his second. He tossed 75 pitches tonight, mixing a slider (35%), sinker (29%), curve (20%), and change (16%). He maxed out at 93.2 with the sinker.
RHP Jackson Fristoe3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Fristoe was cutter-heavy tonight (57%). He maxed at 94.9 with his 4-seam fastball (27%). It is nice to see the zero walks, as control has eluded him in his career.
RHP Cade Austin2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Nice bounceback after a tough 2025 debut.


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/10: Jackson Castillo: 2 Doubles, 6 RBI

Notes:

RHP McKinley Moore and OF Christopher Familia have been moved to the organization’s Development List.

The Development List was introduced in 2021, and its purpose is what you think it is. If a player has something to work on, and the organization wants them to do so outside of game competition, the Development List is there for them to use.


Scranton (6-5) 

Their game against Rochester was postponed.  Tomorrow’s weather doesn’t look promising.


Somerset (2-4) (Defeated Reading, 4-1)

3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, RBI, CS (1), K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (2), BB, K
.263/.462/.474 in 26 PA (1 double, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 R, 2-for-2 SB, 6 BB, 8 K)
C Rafael Flores0-for-2, SB (2), 2 BB, K
6-for-21 (2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R, 2-for-2 SB, 4 BB, 8 K)
LF Garrett Martin1-for-3, R, BB
RF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, 2B (1), R, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, RBI, K
DH Grant Richardson0-for-3, BB, 3 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, CS (1), K
6-for-12 (3 doubles, 3 RBI, 0 BB, 1 K). This is a continuation of his strong spring training.
2B Max Burt0-for-2, R, SB (2), BB, K

RHP Clarke Schmidt4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Schmidt could be in an MLB rotation as soon as next week.
RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
10.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 12 K


Hudson Valley (4-2) (Defeated Brooklyn, 8-3)

CF Brendan Jones0-for-3, R, 2 SB (3), 2 BB, 2 K
2-for-21 (1 double, 1 triple, 3 RBI, 2 R, 3-for-3 SB, 4 BB, 10 K). Jones is 21-for-21 stealing bases in his short career.
SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-2, 3 R, SB (2), 3 BB, K
Lombard had four 3+ BB games in 2024 (including one 4 BB game)
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, 2 2B (2), 6 RBI, SB (2), K
Castillo swats a pair of 3-run doubles. Interestingly, this is not a new best for him for RBI. He knocked in 7 runs on August 13, 2024.
C Omar Martinez0-for-3, 2 BB, 3 K
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-5, 4 K
1B Josh Moylan1-for-4, R, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez1-for-4, 2 K
RF Coby Morales1-for-3, R, BB, K
3B Brenny Escanio0-for-2, 2 R, SB (3), 2 BB

RHP Josh Grosz2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
The 6’4″ Grosz had a solid debut season in 2024 (24 games (23 starts), 7-8, 3.85 ERA; 121.2 IP, 101 H, 14 HR, 52 BB, 131 K). He had his best ERA in seven starts at this level (2.77). He was the Yankees’ 11th-round pick in 2023 (East Carolina).
LHP Will Brian: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Impressive outing for the 6’8″ Warrecker. Like many kids his size, he needs to work on his command/control.
RHP Hayden Merda1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Tampa (4-2) (Defeated Fort Myers, 4-1)

SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 SB (3), BB, K
Arias needed this night in a bad way.
LF Brian Sanchez0-for-2, SB (2), BB, 2 K
Sanchez left the game after striking out in the 5th inning.
  LF Dillon Lewis0-for-1, K
C Engelth Urena0-for-2, R, 2 HBP, 2 K
Urena is off to a 1-for-17 start, though he does have seven walks and two HBP.
3B Parks Harber1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Harber hit one homer in 23 games in last year’s debut season.
RF Tyler Wilson0-for-3, CS (2), BB, K
2B Austin Green0-for-3, R, HBP
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, BB, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole1-for-4, K
DH Duncan Pastore1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R
Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, Pastore went 10-for-27 in ten games with four stolen bases. He is still looking for his first career extra-base hit.

LHP Griffin Herring4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
10.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 13 K. I’d say that’s a nice start to one’s professional career.
RHP Sean Hermann: (W, 1-0)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Rossi’s first career save. He was pumping mid-90s sinkers tonight.


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/9: Ben Hess Dominates in Debut

Notes:

Nothing to report


Scranton (6-5) (Split a doubleheader against Rochester)

Game 1 (Lost, 7-4)

RF Ismael Munguia1-for-4
2B Jorbit Vivas0-for-3, SF, RBI
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, 2B (3), R, BB
LF Dominic Smith3-for-4, R
C Alex Jackson2-for-3, 2B (1), HR (1), 3 RBI, R, BB
Hitting in the minors hasn’t been a massive problem for Jackson (.241/.324/.460 in 628 career games). The majors are a much different story (.132/.224/.232 in 124 games)
DH Jose Rojas1-for-2, BB, K
3B Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, 2 K
CF Duke Ellis1-for-2, R, CS (2), BB, K

RHP Erick Leal (L, 0-2): 4 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
The Yankees’ starting pitching depth doesn’t have the same “vibe” as previous years.
LHP Tyler Matzek2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Matzek, who had a good chance to make the roster out of spring training, was officially activated off the injured list today.
RHP Wilking Rodriguez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Won, 4-3, on a walk-off)

RF Ismael Munguia1-for-4, K
13-for-43 (.302/.375/.349; 2 doubles, 2 RBI, 6 R, 2-for-2 SB, 2 BB, 5 K)
CF Everson Pereira0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
9-for-31 (.290/.378/.387; 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R, 2-for-2 SB, 5 BB, 12 K)
2B Jorbit Vivas1-for-3, R, BB
11-for-39 (.282; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 8 R, 6 BB, 4 K)
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, R, BB, K
12-for-43 (.279/.392/.558; 3 doubles, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 7 BB, 7 K)
LF Cooper Hummel1-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB
Hummel’s organizational debut.
DH Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, K
Smith, who goes 5-for-8 on the day, walks it off with an RBI single.
C Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-3, RBI, K
3B Braden Shewmake0-for-3, 2 RBI
Productive outs!
SS Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, K

LHP Brandon Leibrandt5 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
1.93 ERA (14 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 16 K)
LHP Brent Headrick1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Headrick did nothing wrong to deserve a demotion. The problem he has is that the Yankees have so many bullpen options. Let’s see how it all shakes out.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K


Somerset (1-4) (Lost to Reading, 3-1)

C Jesus Rodriguez0-for-3, BB
Rodriguez’s tough start continues (1-for-21). If you want a positive, he has four strikeouts in 23 plate appearances (17.4%)). An .059 BABIP screams early-season sample size issues.
DH Spencer Jones0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
4-for-16 (1 double, 1 HR, 5 BB, 7 K). His early-season K% is 31.8%.
1B Rafael Flores0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
6-for-19 (2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 7 K)
3B Dylan Jasso0-for-4, K
2-for-15 with a pair of walks.
RF Jared Wegner1-for-4, RBI, SB (1), 2 K
SS Jake Gatewood0-for-3, 3 K
Gatewood is receiving a lot of early-season playing time. Eventually, the hope is that George Lombard Jr. will occupy the shortstop position….
LF Cole Gabrielson0-for-2, 2 SB (2), BB, 2 K
CF Grant Richardson0-for-3, K
2B Max Burt1-for-3, K

RHP Bailey Dees4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Dees was converted to starting last season. At this level, he went 7-7 with a 4.25 ERA and 145/54 K/BB over 137.2 innings. He stands an impressive 6’8″.
RHP Cole Percival: (L, 0-1)  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Pacheco2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Danny Watson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
It will be a nice boost to their bullpen depth if Watson is over his injuries.


Hudson Valley (3-2) (Defeated Brooklyn, 7-2)

CF Jace Avina0-f0r-1
Avina had a quick afternoon, as he was ejected from the game in the first inning.
   LF Coby Morales1-for-3, R, 2 SB (3)
Morales stole 34 bases in 42 attempts last year. The funny thing about that fact is that he never stole more than one base in a season while in college.
SS George Lombard1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
4-for-18 with a triple and a pair of RBI. He has three walks and seven strikeouts.
LF-CF Jackson Castillo1-for-4, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez2-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
7-for-21 with a pair of doubles and three runs batted in.
2B Jose Colmenares1-for-3, RBI, R, SB (1), BB, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, R
C Antonio Gomez2-for-3, HR (2, grand slam), 4 RBI, R, K
Gomez, who started with the organization in 2019, ties his best for RBI in a game.
  PH-C Tomas Frick0-for-1, K
3B Brenny Escanio2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (1), RBI, 2 R, 2 K
Escanio’s first home run since August 10, 2023. He didn’t homer in 76 games last year.
RF Anthony Hall0-for-4, 3 K

RHP Ben Hess4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
Hess dominates in his professional debut. He was drafted in the 1st round in 2024 (Alabama), standing an imposing 6’5″/255 pounds. Hess has two plus pitches (fastball, curve) and is trying to rediscover his slider. There are comparisions to Lance Lynn, though his profile also screams a bit of Joba Chamberlain to me.
RHP Sebastian Keane (W, 1-0): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Tyrone Yulie0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Kean0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Tampa (3-2) (Lost to Fort Myers, 5-1)

SS Roderick Arias0-for-5, 2 K
The brutal start to his campaign continues (1-for-21 with a double, four walks, and nine strikeouts). It’s early, but we need to see progress this year.
DH Edgleen Perez1-for-3, RBI, HBP, BB, K
3-for-15
LF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 2B (2), SB (1)
7-for-21 with two doubles and two triples. He hasn’t yet shown HR power (4 in 87 games) but he has shown some extra-base pop (25 doubles, 10 triples).
C Engelth Urena0-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Parks Harber0-for-3, BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Wilson0-for-2, R, 2 BB, 2 K
RF Dillon Lewis0-f0r-2, 2 BB, K
CF Marshall Toole1-for-4, K
2B Hans Montero1-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Danny Flatt: (L, 0-1)  4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Only 20, Flatt was drafted in the 14th round in 2023. Last year, in his professional debut, he pitched well in the FCL but (predictably) struggled a bit here.
RHP Brandon Decker: 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Decker’s professional debut. He was drafted in the 19th round in 2024 (Oakland). He was featuring five pitches tonight, mainly throwing a sinker/slider/change combo.
RHP Brady Kirtner1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/8: Spencer Jones Homers

Notes:

Nothing to report


Scranton (5-4)

Their game against Rochester was postponed. They will try to play two tomorrow.


Somerset (1-3) (Lost a tough one to Reading, 5-4. Reading scored four runs in the top of the 9th to take the win)

3B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-4, K
A tough 1-for-18 start to his campaign.
CF Spencer Jones1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, R, SB (1), 2 BB
4-for-13 (1 double, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 1 SB, 4 BB, 5 K)
C Rafael Flores1-for-4, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso0-for-4, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, HBP, K
Martin hit 12 HR in 87 games for Hudson Valley last year.
DH Tyler Hardman0-for-3, R, BB, K
SS Jake Gatewood0-for-4, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner0-for-4, 3 K
2B Alexander Vargas2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI
4-for-8 with a pair of doubles and two RBI.

RHP Brendan Beck: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
The Yankees drafted the 26-year-old in the 2nd round in 2021 (Stanford). Considered a “fast track” type, injuries have slowed him considerably. His only action came in 2023, when he pitched 34 innings over ten starts for the FCL (one start)/Hudson Valley (9 starts). The road has been long, but we’ve seen successful pitchers start their careers in their mid-to-late 20s.
RHP Indigo Diaz1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Jordany Ventura:  (L, 0-1) 0.1 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Meltdown alert.
RHP Zach Greene0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K


Hudson Valley (2-2) (Lost to Brooklyn, 7-3)

CF Brendan Jones0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2-for-18 (2B, 3B, 3 RBI, R, 1-for-1 SB, 2 BB, 8 K)
SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-3, R, SB (1), BB, K
3-for-13 (3B, RBI, 4 R, 1-for-2 SB, 3 BB, 5 K)
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
RF Jace Avina1-for-4, R, 2 K
C Omar Martinez0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, R, BB, K
Moylan had buzz when the Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2023. His 2024 season (.246/.357/.381; 8 HR, 42 RBI) left room for improvement, so he is back at this level.
1B Coby Morales0-for-3, K
DH Antonio Gomez1-for-2, RBI, BB, K
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-3

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 0-1)  3 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR
Loaded with talent in his 6’7″ frame, the 21-year-old has dealt with injuries and wildness in his brief (98.2 IP) career.
RHP Cole Ayers2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
The 25-year-old pitched to a 3.09 ERA in 55.1 IP at this level in 2024.  He briefly made his way to Somerset, but is back here to begin 2025.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K


Tampa (3-1) (Came back to defeat Fort Myers, 5-3. The Tarpons scored five times in the top of the 9th)

SS Roderick Arias1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, SB (1), BB, 2 K
Arias finally collects that first hit of 2025 (1-for-16; 7 K). He doubled, scored a run, drove home a run, and walked in the 9th.
C Edgleen Perez0-for-3, 2 K
   PH-C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, R, BB, K
CF Brian Sanchez1-for-4, 3B (2), K
Speed is a big part of the 20-year-old’s game. He should be able to stick in CF.
DH Engelth Urena0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
1B Parks Harber: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (1), BB, K
Harber’s RBI single in the top of the 9th tied the game.
RF Tyler Wilson0-for-4, 2 K
LF Dillon Lewis1-for-3, R, BB, K
2B Austin Green1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (1), K
Green’s 2-run single broke the 2-2 tie in the 9th.
3B Juan Matheus0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Andrew Landry4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
The 23-year-old was drafted in the 16th round in 2023 (Southeastern Louisiana). In 2024, he pitched in seven games at this level, posting a 6.98 ERA in 19.1 IP with 16 walks and 12 strikeouts.
RHP Cole Zaffiro2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The Yankees signed the 22-year-old as an undrafted free agent last year (Wake Forest).
RHP Gus Hughes: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Hughes’ first career win. Congrats.
RHP Alex Bustamante (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/6: Bryce Cunningham Impresses in Debut

Notes:

Nothing to report


Scranton (5-4) (Doubled Up Syracuse, 8-4)

CF Ismael Munguia2-for-5, 2 R, SB (2)
Munguia’s solid start continues (11-for-35 (.314/.400/.371)).
RF Everson Pereira2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
Do the Yankees feel that Pereira can be the right-handed bat they seek? I have no idea.
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-4, R, BB, K
C Alex Jackson1-for-4, 2 RBI, R, BB, K
LF Dominic Smith0-for-3, BB
3B Jose Rojas1-for-4, RBI, K
  3B Jorbit Vivas1-for-1, HR (2), 3 RBI, R
Vivas makes the most of his at-bat. He is 10-for-33 (.303) with a pair of doubles, homers, and 9 RBI.
DH Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-5, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-5
2B Braden Shewmake1-for-3, R, BB, K

RHP Zach Messinger4 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
8 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
RHP Colten Brewer1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Allan Winans2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Kervin Castro (W, 1-0): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K


Somerset (1-2) (Mauled by Hartford, 16-5)

3B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-5, R
Rodriguez is facing a challenge for the first time in his career, as he is hitting .204/.257/.367 in 26 Double-A games. He will need to adjust to the upper level.
DH Spencer Jones1-for-3, R, BB, K
3-for-11 with a double, two walks, and five strikeouts.
C Rafael Flores1-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, R, K
Flores has homered in back-to-back games and has 17 in 68 Double-A games over the last two seasons. The power looks real.
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-3, BB, K
LF Cole Gabrielson0-for-4, 3 K
CF Garrett Martin0-for-2, R, SB (1), 2 BB, 2 K
RF Jared Wegner0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Jake Gatewood0-for-3, R, SB (1), HBP, K
2B Alexander Vargas1-for-2, RBI, HBP
  PH Max Burt0-for-1

RHP Trent Sellers3 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR
The 25-year-old broke out in 2024, pitching to a 2.26 ERA in 83.2 IP with a 100/40 K/BB (only allowed 43 hits). While he made an emergency appearance for Scranton, I would consider today his upper-level debut (he spent last year in Hudson Valley).
RHP Colby White (L, 0-1): 1.1 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Cole Percival0.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Percival was signed to a minor league contract in January. This is his first go-around for an East Coast organization (previously with the Dodgers, Angels, and Diamondbacks).  Yes, he is the son of former Angels’ closer Troy Percival.
RHP Zach Greene: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
It’s been a long road for the 28-year-old drafted by the Yankees in 2019. He was drafted in the Rule 5 by the Mets in 2022, but injuries kept him off the MLB roster. He was returned to the Yankees in 2023 and this is his first appearance since that year.
RHP Luis Pacheco0.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
A healthy season for Watson would add some extra punch to the organization. Before a tough 2024 season (coming off of an injury), he was dominant in 2023 (1.58 ERA with an 82/25 K/BB over 62.2 IP)


Hudson Valley (2-1) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 6-2)

LF Brendan Jones0-for-5, 3 K
SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-3, R, CS (1), BB, HBP, K
3-for-10 with a triple and a pair of walks. 
C Omar Martinez2-for-5, R, 2 K
5-for-13
CF Jace Avina2-for-5, 2 R, 2 K
3B-1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, HBP
2B Jose Colmenares2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, K
The 23-year-old had a strong 26-game audition here in 2023 (.244/.410/.564 with seven home runs). However, he missed all of 2024 to injury.
RF Anthony Hall2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (1), 3 RBI, R, K
An interesting prospect when he was drafted in the 4th round in 2022, injuries have limited Hall’s playing time. In 48 games last year, he hit .222/.320/.316 with a pair of home runs.
DH Tomas Frick0-for-3, BB
1B Kiko Romero2-for-3, 2B (1), K
  3B Brenny Escanio1-for-1

RHP Bryce Cunningham (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
The Yankees drafted a lot of pitchers in 2024. Cunningham (22; 6’5″) was taken in the 2nd round out of Vanderbilt. Throwing in the mid-to-upper 90s, he has a chance to become your favorite pitching prospect in the system. That is his ceiling. Will he reach it?
LHP Will Brian1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The 25-year-old pitched in two games in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Hopefully, he can break the 3-game barrier in 2025 (injuries, injuries, injuries).
RHP Chris Kean1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Kean had an impressive 2024 debut, pitching to a 1.08 ERA in 25 games (33.1 IP). He allowed 15 hits, walked five, and struck out 44.
RHP Bryce Warrecker1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Warrecker stands an impressive 6’8″. In 19 starts last year, he went 2-7 with a 5.79 ERA and 46/30 K/BB over 65.1 innings.
RHP Huey Morrill1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Tampa (2-1) (The undefeated dream is over as they lose to Lakeland, 6-5)

SS Roderick Arias0-for-5, K
A tough start to the season for Arias (0-for-12, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K)
DH Edgleen Perez1-for-5, R, 2 K
RF Brian Sanchez1-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
Sanchez has 9 triples in 341 career plate appearances.
C Engelth Urena0-for-3, SF, RBI, BB, 2 K
3B Parks Harber0-for-3, R, BB, K
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, BB, K
2B Austin Green3-for-5, 2 RBI, K
Green’s first career multi-hit effort.
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-4
CF Marshall Toole1-for-3, R, SB (1), BB, K
Last year’s 15th-round pick (Tulsa) hit .255/.449/.353 in 17 games with an 8-for-10 stolen base rate in his debut at this level.

RHP Greysen Carter3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
The professional debut for their 5th-round pick in the 2024 draft (Vanderbilt). Carter is known to hit triple digits, but the talent is raw. Last season for Vanderbilt, he posted a 6.58 ERA in 39.2 IP with a 38/31 K/BB.
LHP Tyler Matzek1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
The first rehab appearance for the 34-year-old.  The Yankees have an upcoming bullpen jam to work out.
RHP Jackson Fristoe2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
The strong-armed 24-year-old has dealt with injuries and wildness in his brief professional career.
RHP Jack Sokol (L, 0-1): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
The professional debut for Sokol, who was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh in 2024.
RHP Tony Rossi1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Rossi, who turns 26 in July, makes his professional debut. He was signed as an undrafted free agent last year (UNC Charlotte). 


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/5: Spencer Jones Singles, Doubles

Notes:

Nothing to report


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

1B Dominic Smith0-for-4, K
LF Everson Pereira1-for-4, K
7-for-25 with four RBI. He is looking for his first extra-base hit. Given that extra-base power is his “thing,” I am not worried.
2B Jorbit Vivas1-for-4
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R,  BB
.303/.395/.636 in 38 PA. 
C Ronaldo Hernandez0-for-4, K
3B Braden Shewmake0-for-3, R, BB
RF Grant Richardson1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
5-for-11 with a double, homer, 5 RBI, and 6 runs scored.
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, K
CF Duke Ellis0-for-3

RHP Sean Boyle (L, 0-2): 5 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR
RHP Eric Reyzelman2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 HR, 2 BB, 8 K
RHP McKinley Moore1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K


Somerset (1-1) (Defeated Hartford, 6-2)

2B Dylan Jasso1-for-3, 2 BB, K
Jasso’s first career game at second base.
CF Spencer Jones2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
How many times in his career have I written “2-for-4, 2 K” in a Spencer Jones stat line? I will gladly take the hits.
1B Rafael Flores3-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
In 67 Double-A games: .280/.362/.528 (14 doubles, 16 HR, 35 RBI, 41 R, 7-for-7 SB, 28 BB (9.9%), 75 K (26.6%)
C Jesus Rodriguez0-for-5, 2 K
DH Tyler Hardman1-for-4, R, 2 K
Before his 2023 injury, Hardman was hitting .237/.332/.558 with 26 HR in only 77 games at this level. Since coming back, the power hasn’t returned (8 HR in 76 games at this level).
RF Garrett Martin0-for-3, R, HBP, K
SS Jake Gatewood1-for-4, 2B (1), R, 3 K
LF Jared Wegner1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Max Burt2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, SB (1)
Burt is grinding it out. The Yankees drafted him in the 28th round in 2018 out of Northeastern. He re-signed as a minor league free agent in March to begin his 7th season with the organization.

RHP Clarke Schmidt3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
52 pitches/37 strikes. This is what you wanted to see in his first rehab appearance.
LHP Edgar Barclay (W, 1-0): 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Harrison Cohen0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
The 24-year-old was acquired from the Houston Astros for Caleb Ferguson last July (the Yankees also received international bonus pool money in the transaction). 


Hudson Valley (1-1) (Walked it off against Jersey Shore, 8-7)

RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-5, 3B (1), 3 RBI, R, SB (1), BB, K
For now, Jones is credited with a 3-run game-winning single. We’ll see if that holds, or if some shenanigans occurred. Either way, exciting walk-off win! 
SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-4, 3B (1), SF, RBI, R, 2 K
If the extra-base power shows up this year (as many expect), watch out.
CF Jackson Castillo1-for-4, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
The top of this batting order is enviously athletic. 
LF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (1), R, BB
DH Omar Martinez1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan1-for-4, BB, K
1B Coby Morales1-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
C Antonio Gomez1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R
  C Tomas Frick2-for-2, 2B (1), R
Frick performed well for Tampa last year, hitting .250/.370/.368 in 173 plate appearances. It was his professional debut after being drafted in the 15th round in 2023.
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (2), 2 BB, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz4.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Rodriguez-Cruz was acquired from the Red Sox in exchange for catcher Carlos Narvaez. He is the type of “lottery ticket” arm you should target for a 40-man roster guy. Only 21, he went 5-5 with a 2.91 ERA in 89.2 IP between Low-A and High-A last season with a 102/43 K/BB.
RHP Sebastian Keane1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
The 6’6″ Merda missed the 2024 season. At this level in 2023, he went 3-6 with a 6.21 ERA in 21 games (20 starts), posting a 96/57 K/BB over 95.2 innings. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Another pitcher who missed the 2024 season. In 2023, at this level, he posted a 4.56 ERA in 79 IP with a 90/43 K/BB.


Tampa (2-0) (Defeated Lakeland, 7-6, in ten innings)

SS Roderick Arias0-for-4, 2 BB, 2 K
Even as I talk about Arias being a “raw” talent, he sneakily puts up solid BB rates (12.3% last year). 
C Edgleen Perez1-for-2, 2 R, BB
Perez is only 18 years old. He easily conquered the DSL and FCL, earning himself this challenge.  He is amongst the youngest players in the Florida State League (he is not the youngest. Andrew Salas (Marlins) holds that distinction).
   C Josue Gonzalez0-for-2, R, BB
CF Brian Sanchez0-for-5, R, BB, K
DH Engelth Urena1-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, 3 BB, K
Urena’s 2023 injury stalled his timetable, but he is still only 20 years old.  In 40 FCL games last year, he hit 11 doubles and 8 HR while driving home 31. The power potential he possesses is legitimate
1B Parks Harber2-for-5, 2B (1), 3 RBI, BB, 2 K
After being drafted last year, Harber was assigned here. He hit .269/.389/.449 in 23 games with a homer and 19 RBI.
RF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, RBI, CS (1), 2 BB, K
LF Dillon Lewis2-for-5, 2B (1), R
2B Hans Montero1-for-5, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus0-for-3, SF, RBI, R, CS (1), BB

LHP Tanner Bauman4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
A day after Griffin Herring dazzled in his professional debut, Bauman turns in a solid effort in his debut. The 6’5″ 22-year-old was drafted in the 9th round in the 2024 draft.  For Auburn last year, he went 3-2 with a 4.57 ERA in 20 appearances (6 starts) with a 47/16 K/BB over 41.1 IP.
RHP Alex Bustamante: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Bustamente spent the entire 2024 season on the injured list.
RHP Cade Austin1.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Chris Veach2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
This is the professional debut for Veach, who the Yankees signed as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina. This is the first time I am saying this in 2025: Don’t let an “undrafted” status sour you on a prospect. The draft is shorter nowadays, leaving a lot of talent out there for teams to sign.
RHP Gus Hughes: (W, 1-0)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Hughes’ first professional appearance is a successful one. Drafted in the 18th round in 2024, the High Point graduate stands only 6’0″. Last season, as a starter, he went 6-4 with a 3.77 ERA in 102.2 IP with a 111/41 K/BB. A few High Point players have reached the big leagues, with reliever Cody Allen (Guardians, Angels) being the most successful.

 


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/4: Griffin Herring Dazzles in Debut

Notes:

The Yankees have signed C/OF Cooper Hummel to a minor league deal after he elected free agency yesterday. The Astros outrighted him off their 40-man roster, and he had the right to declare free agency.

While listed as a C/OF, Hummell hasn’t caught at any level since 2023 (96 innings). Offensively, the 30-year-old hasn’t done much with his limited MLB playing time, hitting .159/.255/.275 (51 OPS+) over 235 PA. He has clubbed three homers and driven home 17. If tomorrow’s Immaculate Grid has any combination of Diamondbacks, Mariners, and Astros, remember his name. He has appeared in MLB for all three organizations.

For the Yankees, he is depth.


Scranton (4-3) (Mauled Syracuse, 12-4)

LF Ismael Munguia0-for-5, R, SB (1), HBP, 2 K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 3-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
Despite what “scouts” say, the Yankees continue to give Vivas reps at third base. It doesn’t hurt to try, and it would increase his trade value if he impresses.
DH T.J. Rumfield3-for-6, 2 RBI
9-for-30 (2 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, 3 BB, 5 K). If one continues to hit, they eventually get a chance somewhere.
1B Dominic Smith0-for-4, BB, 2 K
RF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
  PR-RF Grant Richardson0-for-0, SF, RBI, R
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K
2B Braden Shewmake: 3-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
Season: 6-for-24 (2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 R, 6 BB, 6 K). The Railriders are using him at 2B/SS/3B.
SS Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, R, SB (4), SAC, BB, 2 K
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-5, 3 RBI, R, K

RHP Jake Woodford 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
Woodford’s organizational debut.
RHP Leonardo Pestana1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
The Yankees have many bullpen options, making a Pestana debut difficult to imagine. However, if he can stay healthy, he could make things interesting. There is talent here.
RHP Ian Hamilton0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Supposedly, he’ll be back in Detroit?
LHP Ryan Anderson: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Rob Zastryzny1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
J.C. Escarra is a great story. Rodriguez would be a good one as well – he hasn’t appeared in MLB in 11 years.  I am going to root for it to happen.


Somerset (0-1) (Lost a heartbreaker to Hartford, 5-4, on a 9th-inning walk-off HR)

3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, BB, K
The Yankees added the versatile Rodriguez to the 40-man roster this past winter. Listed as a catcher, he also has minor league experience at 1B/2B/3B/LF. So far in his career, he has hit everywhere they place him. Double-A (where he struggled a bit in 23 games last year) will be his ultimate test.
CF Spencer Jones0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
Must I say anything? Jones remains the ultimate boom-bust prospect in a sport where boom-bust prospects are more the norm than the exception. He must show more progress in 2025. The clock has started to tick (Rule 5 eligible this winter).
C Rafael Flores1-for-4, SB (1), 2 K
Flores (24) has jumped up on prospect radars. Upon his promotion here in 2024, he hit .274/.359/.519 with 15 home runs in only 65 games. Can he catch long-term or is first base his future calling?  We should expect to hear his name thrown around at the trade deadline if he continues to rake.
1B Dylan Jasso1-for-4, R, K
Only 22, Jasso hit 30 doubles in 120 games in 2024.
DH Tyler Hardman0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson0-for-4, 3 K
LF Garrett Martin1-for-3, R, BB
The 24-year-old showed off some HR pop in Hudson Valley last year (12 HR in 87 games). However, he struck out 97 times in 346 PA (28.0%).
2B Alexander Vargas1-for-2, 2B (1), R
Vargas had a fun spring, going 8-for-14 with two doubles, three homers, and 7 RBI. While that doesn’t tell us anything, it was a nice story for him. He was once a highly-regarded bonus baby. He is trying to regain some steam.
   2B Max Burt0-for-1, SF, RBI, K
SS Jake Gatewood: 2-for-3, 3 RBI, CS (1), BB
Where do the Yankees find these guys? Tonight was his first appearance in affiliated ball since 2022, where he hit .211/.261/.439 in 108 games for the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake. Last year, he was the Bobby Witt Jr. of the independent Atlantic League. He hit .295/.395/.607 in 506 PA with 34 doubles, 33 HR, and 121 RBI.

RHP Cam Schlittler5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR
The Yankees invited Schlittler to spring training. Yes, I think you should read into that – who gets invited vs. who doesn’t can show you where the Yankees currently stand with a prospect (especially those at the upper levels). Can he get to MLB in 2025? It’s not impossible.
RHP Mason Vinyard0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Originally with the Mets organization, Ventura elected free agency this past winter. He is a 24-year-old with experience as a starter and reliever.
RHP Indigo Diaz: (L, 0-1): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K


Hudson Valley (0-1) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 3-1)

CF Brendan Jones0-for-5, 2 K
The 22-year-old left-handed bat made an immediate impression in his debut 2024 season. In 24 games, he hit .267/.471/.453 with 5 doubles, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 16 R, 29 BB, 21 K, and 18 stolen bases in 18 attempts. He was their 12th round pick out of Kansas State.
SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-3, R, BB, K
Spring training certainly raised the hype for the teenager, but let’s calm down for a second. He is still more projection than production. He may not make it to Somerset as a teenager (he turns 20 on 6/2), but we’ll see.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, K
In a late-season trial at this level, Castillo thrived (.314/.383/.514 in 21 games). 
RF Jace Avina0-for-3, BB, K
Acquired from the Brewers for Jake Bauers, Avina (21) hit .245/.317/.399 in 397 PA at this level in 2024. 
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, SB (1), K
The Yankees had Martinez play a full season at Tampa in 2023 and Hudson Valley in 2024. They decided not to start him at Somerset in 2025. Is there anything to read into that? Nah.
3B Josh Moylan0-for-2, 2 BB
1B Coby Morales0-for-3, SB (1), HBP, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez1-for-4, 2 K
Once considered (by me and others!) as the top pure catching prospect in the system, Gomez has never put the entire package together. That said, even though it seems he has been here for an eternity, he is only 23, and late-blooming catchers aren’t uncommon. 
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-4, K

LHP Kyle Carr: (L, 0-1)  4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
It’s not the most efficient outing, but it is an effective one. The Yankees aggressively placed Carr at this level in 2024 without any experience anywhere else, and he went 1-8 with a 4.76 ERA over 104 IP (95/55 K/BB). They are hoping that experience translates into better results in 2025.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
After an effective 2023 debut season for Tampa, Gilbert was limited to only five games in 2024. He will hopefully pick up from where he left off.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Cole Ayers1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Tampa (1-0) (Squeaked past Lakeland, 2-1)

SS Roderick Arias0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
It’s a big season for Arias, who hit .233/.335/.393 with 21 doubles, 8 triples, 13 HR, 74 RBI, 78 R, and 37 stolen bases in 50 attempts at this level last year. When asked how I would describe him, I always say his athletic ability carries him. In other words, he can make up for his shortcomings with his pure athleticism. As you move up the chain, that’s not enough to become MLB-viable. We’ll see how 2025 unfolds.
DH Edgleen Perez0-for-2
Full-season league debut for Perez, a catcher who hit .283/.444/.380 in 216 PA for the FCL squad last year. He had more walks (45) than strikeouts (35). We’ll see if he can keep a strong ratio at a more advanced level (don’t expect more BB than K!). As for why he left the game, I am not sure.
   PH-DH Juan Matheus1-for-2
The 20-year-old switch-hitter dominated in the FCL last season. At this level, he went 1-for-13 with a pair of stolen bases.
CF Brian Sanchez3-for-4, 2B (1), RBI
Also acquired in the Bauers’ deal, Sanchez earned his promotion by hitting .306/.394/.514 with 16 stolen bases in 19 attempts in the FCL last year.
C Engelth Urena0-for-3, BB
Only 20, Urena destroyed the FCL (.301/.420/.564 in 162 PA) to earn his spot here in 2025. He’s a fun long-range lottery ticket to follow.
3B Parks Harber0-for-4, 3 K
RF Tyler Wilson2-for-2, R, SB (1), 2 BB
Last year’s 8th-round pick out of Grand Canyon had a rough start to his professional career, though he did walk 14 times in 92 PA (15.2%). Many players do. It’s all about whether they can bounce back.
LF Dillon Lewis0-for-4, SB (1)
2B Austin Green0-for-3
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, K

LHP Griffin Herring: (W, 1-0) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
The professional debut for the Yankees’ 6th-round pick in the 2024 draft out of LSU. Standing 6’2″, he went 6-1 with a 1.79 ERA and 67/13 K/BB over 50.1 innings last season. He was used primarily from the bullpen (21 of his 22 appearances).
RHP Sean Hermann: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Hermann, their 14th-round pick in 2021, missed 2024 due to injury.
RHP Brady Kirtner (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Drafted by the Mets in 2023, Kirtner never made his debut. The Yankees signed him last July, and he finally makes his professional debut tonight. I pay close attention when the Yankees target a random arm sitting on the market.


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/3: Braden Shewmake Homers

Notes:

RHP Jake Woodford, whom the Yankees signed on March 28th, has been assigned to Scranton. To make room, LHP Edgar Barclay was sent down to Somerset.

Woodford is a 28-year-old who pitched in 89 games (25 starts) for the Cardinals between 2020 and 2024. He compiled a 10-13 record with a 4.88 ERA (4.94 FIP; 84 ERA+) over 219.2 innings with a 15.2% K, 7.5% BB, and 45.8% GB. The ground balls likely attracted the Yankees to him, as he does not have overpowering stuff.


Scranton (3-3) (Defeated Syracuse, 5-1)

CF Ismael Munguia0-for-5
I mention his 5-game hitting streak, and he puts up a 0-fer. My bad. He is still hitting .360 with a .888 OPS.
3B Jorbit Vivas0-for-3, R, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-3, R, K
LF Everson Pereira1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (2), BB, K
He finally plays a full game in the field. That is encouraging. He is 6-for-21.
DH Dominic Smith0-for-4, 2 K
His debut as a member of the Yankees’ organization (no, I don’t care about spring training)
RF Jose Rojas1-for-2, 2B (2), 3 RBI, 2 BB
  PR-RF Duke Ellis0-for-0, CS (1)
When your only tool is stealing bases, you don’t want to be caught trying to do it very often!
C Ronaldo Hernandez2-for-4, 2B (2)
SS Braden Shewmake1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K
Shewmake’s first HR as a member of the Yankees’ organization. He hit 16 in 122 games for Triple-A Gwinnett in 2023.
3B Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, BB

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: (W, 1-0)  5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
If you are wondering, yes, Leibrandt is the son of former MLB pitcher Charlie Leibrandt.
RHP Kervin Castro2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
In December 2023, Castro was selected in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. He missed the entire 2024 season due to injury, so this is his Yankees’ organizational debut. He maxed at 94 MPH with his 4-seamer and featured a sweeper/curve/cutter/sinker
RHP Colten Brewer1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K


Somerset (0-0)

Their season starts on Friday.


Hudson Valley (0-0)

Their season starts on Friday.


Tampa (0-0)

Their season starts on Friday.


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.