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Yankees MILB 8/8: Caleb Durbin Drives in 3

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (61-47) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 8-1, in the completion of last night’s suspended game. The second game of tonight’s doubleheader was postponed due to rain)

DH Caleb Durbin: 2-for-4, 2B (18), SF, 3 RBI, K
Including his time in Somerset/Tampa, Durbin has 20 doubles in 56 games.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-5, RBI, K
Dominguez is 6-for-32 (.188) since his latest comeback. From a statistical standpoint, that is the most important thing to watch.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, BB
For Scranton: .244/.383/.376 in 246 PA (15.0% BB, 17.5% K)
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-3, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, HR (11), RBI, RS, K
Trammell has 5 HR in his last eight games.
LF Jahmai Jones: 2-for-2, 2 2B (2), 4 RS, 2 BB
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-1, 2B (5), RBI, 2 RS, 3 BB
Escarra is 17-for-46 (.370/.517/.543) since his promotion with 12 walks and 6 strikeouts. His journey is fascinating. He did some catching in college but the Orioles took him away from the position when they drafted him. Over the past few years, he has toiled in the independent/winter leagues, where he took up catching again. It could be his ticket to some MLB playing time. Until Jose Trevino returns, he is probably the #3 catcher (though they may view Ben Rice that way). The only other catcher on the Scranton roster is the little-used (as in 2 career plate appearances) Peter Serruto.
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

LHP Tanner Tully: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
“Why do they sign pitchers like Tully?” To eat minor league innings. With injuries, promotions, innings limits, etc., you need veteran arms in the minors. It’s that simple.
RHP Phil Bickford (W, 3-4);  1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
1.60 ERA (33.2 IP, 24 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 38 K)
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
I had a discussion on Discord about Marinaccio the other day. To me, the Yankees like him as a shuttle reliever and not a full-time MLB reliever. This is his last option year (unless he qualifies for an extra option next year) so they will likely try to trade him before Opening Day 2025.

Somerset (53-51)

Their game against Binghamton was postponed. I wouldn’t be enthusiastic about tomorrow. Smartly, they scheduled a doubleheader for Saturday.

Hudson Valley (54-49) (Defeated Brooklyn, 4-3, in ten innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, RS, SB (18), BB, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, BB, K
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (23), RBI, K
Avina has three multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, RS, BB
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, RS, BB, K
Gomez has a 7-game hitting streak that features 6 doubles, a triple, and a home run. He has a .761 OPS  (.492 prior to this streak. That is not a typo).
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (11)
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, RS, 3 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, BB

RHP Baron Stuart: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
RHP Sebastian Keane: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
4.71 ERA (72.2 IP, 65 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 36 BB, 72 K). 
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Gabonia’s High-A debut. He pitched to a 4.01 ERA in 49.1 IP for Tampa with a 55/13 K/BB.
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 1-0) 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (42-60) (Lost to Daytona, 6-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, SB (2), BB, 2 K
It can’t just be me who has Brett Gardner dreams when the Yankees draft a speedy center fielder.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, BB
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, HBP
Wilson’s first professional hit is a home run. It went 384 feet at 103.5 MPH. In case you don’t read this every night (horrors!), he was their 8th round pick out of Grand Canyon. He is a switch-hitter who hit the HR batting left-handed.
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, SB (1), 2 K
Green’s first professional hit!
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Parks Harber: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Andrew Landry: (L, 0-1) 2.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
The results aren’t as important as the experience. The 22-year-old has 14.2 professional innings to his name.
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Luis Arejula: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Arejula was moved down here from Hudson Valley, where he pitched to a 2.90 ERA in 40.1 IP with a 38/21 K/BB. Because he was demoted to Tampa, we can look at some data. He pumped his fastball up to 95.5 MPH and seems to feature a 3-pitch mix (4-seamer, slider, changeup).
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-29) (Lost to the DSL Phillies White, 10-2)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, 2B (7), RS, BB, K
CF Isael Arias: 2-for-3, RBI
1B Diego Flores: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (2)
The 17-year-old is 6-for-31 in his debut campaign. He is listed as a catcher (has played 3 innings behind the plate so far)

DSL Bombers (26-21) (Defeated the DSL Phillies Red, 7-2)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
RF David Carrera: 1-for-4, 2 RS, SB (10), K
The 17-year-old is having a nice debut season: .271/.406/.412 in 106 PA with a 10-for-12 SB rate.
LF Remy Veldhuisen: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
3B Rafael Martinez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, SB (3)

RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 4-1): 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K
Salomon’s first carrer 10+ strikeout game. He owns a 1.51 ERA in 41.2 IP with a 50/10 K/BB. That’s awesome, but he isn’t young (22 years old). 

Yankees MILB 8/7: Zach Messinger Tosses 7 Scoreless Innings

News:

The Yankees have dipped in “organizational” prospect rankings. Do I worry about that? No. I thought they wouldn’t be very high on the preseason rankings. I consider the latest lists to be a market correction.

Scranton (60-47) (Lead Lehigh Valley, 3-0, in the third inning. This game was suspended. Game 2 was postponed. These games are being played in Bethlehem, which (like most of us) will be impacted by a tropical storm over the next few days)

DH Caleb Durbin: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, K
CF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-2, K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-2, 2B (9), RBI
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-1, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-1, RBI, BB
RF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-2
LF Jahmai Jones: 0-for-0, RS, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-0, RS, BB
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-0, RS, BB

LHP Tanner Tully: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (53-51) (Defeated Binghamton, 5-0)

LF Greg Allen: 1-for-3, K
Allen’s first game since June 13th.
  LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-1
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, CS (8), BB, K
C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, 3 K
Rodriguez is 10-for-53 (.189) since his promotion with 15 strikeouts. No need to make a judgment based on 14 games and he missed a lot of time due to injury.
DH Rafael Flores: 3-for-4, 2B (7), HR (9), RBI, 2 RS, K
Flores has homered 4 times in his last 7 games (including back-to-back games). Since promotion: .267/.351/.527 in 148 PA. Overall, he has 24 doubles and 15 home runs in 381 PA between here and Hudson Valley.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, HR (11), 3 RBI, RS
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, RS, HBP, BB, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 3-for-4, 3B (4), SB (4), CS (6)
Vargas is hitting .258/.690 OPS since his promotion.
SS Max Burt: 0-for-2, SB (5), BB

RHP Zach Messinger: (W, 4-8)  7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Messinger did his best Greg Maddux impersonation, getting through seven innings with 74 pitches.  This was his second consecutive 7-inning effort. Season: 3.40 ERA (121.2 IP, 98 H, 63 R, 46 ER, 7 HR, 39 BB, 114 K).  Last 4 games: 25.2 IP, 18 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 7 BB, 14 K.
RHP McKinley Moore: 0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 2.38 ERA (11.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 18 K). Impressive.

Hudson Valley (53-49) (Split a doubleheader against Brooklyn)

Game 1 (Lost, 3-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, BB, K
Lombard Jr.’s first High-A game.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, K
DH Josh Moylan: 0-for-1
  PH-DH Garrett Martin: 0-for-2
You don’t typically replace a DH after one plate appearance, so something must have happened with Moylan.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, BB, K
  PR-3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-0
RF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4, 2 K
Castillo earns his first two High-A hits.
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
3B-1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-2, 2B (11), 2 BB, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
5.44 ERA (81 IP, 79 H, 58 R, 49 ER, 5 HR, 48 BB, 75 K). Last 4 starts: 19 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 8 BB, 20 K.  We could see him in Somerset to start 2025. 
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
4.34 ERA (58 IP, 40 H, 31 R, 28 ER, 8 HR, 24 BB, 69 K). 
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr. (L, 0-1): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Won, 7-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, 2B (19), 3 RBI, BB, K
Riggio was pulled for a pinch-runner after his 2-run double. We’ll just have to monitor that.
   PR-3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-0
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, RBI, K
I fully support the promotion. That said, he is a teenager trying High-A for the first time. If he struggles, that’s fine. The Yankees feel he is mature enough to handle that struggle.
DH Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
C Antonio Gomez: 2-for-3, 3B (1), 2 RS, BB
Gomez increases his hitting streak to 6 (11-for-21, so this isn’t a garden variety streak!). He has seven extra-base hits (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR) during the streak (at least one extra-base hit in each game).
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, 2 RS, BB, K
Castillo has a solid double-header in his High-A debut.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-1, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
LF Anthony Hall: 0-for-3, RBI, K
3B-2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-1, RBI, 2 BB

RHP Blane Abeyta: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kelly Austin: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.50 ERA (36 IP, 28 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 49 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Boyle: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (42-59) (Lost to Daytona, 5-4)

LF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, SB (1), BB, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
.221/.322/.363 in 435 PA. Something is to be said for staying healthy and getting 500+ plate appearances, which he is on pace for. Whether he learns from the plate appearances is the question we need answered.
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
.252/.307/.370 in 374 PA (15 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 48 RBI, 49 R, 9-for-10 SB). Montero has a 22.2% K, which is pretty good.
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, RS, SB (11), 2 BB
.218/.318/.347 in 274 PA. 
RF Coby Morales: 3-for-4, RBI, RS, CS (6)
Morales has four 3-hit efforts this season. 
1B Parks Harber: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 3B (1), 2 RBI, K
Professional debut for Harber, who was signed as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina. He is a 22-year-old right-handed bat who hit .343/.425/.648 with 20 HR and 63 RBI in 61 games for the Tar Heels this season. He spent most of his collegiate career playing for Georgia.
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-2
Palencia’s first game since May 28th. 
  C Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-2
DH Joe Delossantos: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, RS, SB (2), 3 K
Cobb’s first professional hit. Congrats!

RHP Bryce Warrecker: (L, 1-4) 4.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Matt Givin: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Chris Kean: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.41 ERA (52.1 IP, 27 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 7 HR, 26 BB, 61 K). Rodriguez has floated under the radar but has pitched well. 

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-28) (Defeated the DSL Twins, 14-4, in the conclusion of a game from July)

SS Dexters Peralta: 2-for-5, 2B (5), 3 RS, 3 SB (17), BB, 2 K
.236/.317/.333 in 161 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 25-for-28 SB). A reminder that the boxscore is retroactive to the day the game was started. Anyway, I am intrigued by Peralta though the journey is long.
3B Richard Matic: 2-for-3, 2B (5), 3 RS, 2 SB (4)
.213/.353/.279 in 150 PA (8 doubles, 13 RBI, 19 R, 6-for-8 SB)
C Luis Puello: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 RS
LF Gabriel Lara: 2-for-6, RBI, RS, 2 K
RF Estivenzon Montero: 2-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
Montero’s first professional home run.
1B Johan Contreras: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K

LHP Ronald Tejada: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The 17-year-old owns a 1.21 ERA and 22/10 K/BB over 22.1 IP in his debut season.

DSL Bombers (25-21)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 8/6: Spencer Jones Continues Surge

News:

Today was a mass promotion day. With that, more cuts were required. That is the harsh reality of minor-league baseball.

The biggest name on the promotion list is George Lombard Jr., who is off to Hudson Valley. Last year’s first-round pick didn’t have overwhelming numbers (.232/.344/.348 (105 wRC+); 12.8% BB, 24% K, 30-for-34 SB) but organizations don’t only look at statistical profiles. They feel the 19-year-old is ready for a challenge at the level he will likely start at in 2025. OF Jackson Castillo and 1B Dylan Jasso will join him. Castillo (21) hit .256/.386/.404 (132 wRC+) with 16 stolen bases in 21 attempts while Jasso (21) hit .238/.331/.392 (109 wRC+) with 54 RBI.

Also promoted are big (6’7″) pitching prospects Carlos Lagrange (RHP) and Henry Lalane (LHP). Both pitchers missed most of the season due to injury, so they need innings.

Three of their successful pitchers this season are also on the move: RHP Cam Schlittler (Somerset), RHP Cade Smith (Hudson Valley), and RHP Josh Grosz (Hudson Valley). Grosz had an emergency start for Hudson Valley earlier this season, so this isn’t his first taste.

IF Caleb Durbin was promoted to Scranton. He was in Somerset for what was essentially a rehab stint. It just wasn’t labeled that way.

As for the releases: OF Aaron Palensky, RHP Duane Underwood Jr., RHP Art Warren, and RHP Carlos Gomez were let go today.
Palensky is probably the most recognizable to long-time readers, as he started the 2023 season unconscious for Hudson Valley (.352/.434/.744 in 32 games). He wasn’t able to replicate that success at the higher minors.

Underwood Jr. was a minor-league free agent signing this past winter while Warren was a rehab project. The Yankees hoped to tap into Warren’s 29.5% MLB K rate between 2019 and 2022, but he wasn’t throwing well for Scranton.

Gomez (25) started his Yankees journey in 2018 and pitched fairly well in his minor league career (3.86 ERA in 265.2 IP with 304 strikeouts) but had trouble getting with his control.

Scranton (60-47)

Their game against Lehigh Valley was postponed. It’s going to be a crazy week, weather-wise.

Somerset (52-51) (Lost to Binghamton, 6-4)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, RS, CS (7), K
Last 10 games: 13-for-37 (.351; 5 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 7 BB, 13 K). Overall: .248/.333/.428 in 406 PA (19 doubles, 3 triples, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 56 R, 21-for-28 SB (75%), 10.8% BB, 36.5% K). K%, by month: April: 27.3%; May: 38.5%; June: 36.4%; July: 40.7%; August: 31.8% (only 22 PA). The season ends in mid-September. My wish is for his strikeout percentage to dip down the stretch.
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, K
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-3, HR (8), RBI, RS, BB
Flores has 14 HR in 90 games between here and Hudson Valley. Before 2024, he hit 10 homers in 109 games. His 8 Double-A homers have come in 33 games. He is trying to place himself squarely on the prospect map. It is important to note that Flores is not Rule 5 eligible until after the 2025 season.
DH Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (7), K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (18), SB (12), K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RS, SB (19), BB, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (4), CS (1)

RHP Bailey Dees (L, 4-7):  6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Dees was throwing well but he ran into trouble in the 7th inning. Season: 4.70 ERA (111 IP, 99 H, 63 R, 58 ER, 18 HR, 42 BB, 113 K). How you judge his season is based on your expectations for a reliever-turned-starter.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (52-48)

Their game against Brooklyn was postponed due to rain. It’s going to be a crazy week, weather-wise.

The debuts of George Lombard Jr., Dylan Jasso, and Jackson Castillo will need to wait.

Tampa (42-58) (Lost to Daytona, 17-10)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, RS, SB (28), 3 BB, K
Yes, Lombard Jr. is ready for Hudson Valley while Arias is not. That’s OK.
LF JoJo Jackson: 1-for-2, RS, BB
Jackson was their 17th-round pick out of Georgia State, where he hit .310/.394/.655 in 199 PA (15 home runs, 45 RBI). He is a switch-hitter attempting to become the third Georgia State graduate to make it to MLB (Hunter Gaddis, David Buchanan). Jackson would be the first positional player to pull it off.
  PH-LF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2, 2B (1), 2 RBI, BB
Toole hit a 2-run double in his first professional AB. He was drafted in the 15th round out of Wofford
DH Tyler Wilson: 0-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
Wilson was their 8th-round pick out of Grand Canyon, a school that pulled off an NCAA Tournament upset in 2024. The switch-hitter hit .378/.441/.691 with 17 HR and 65 RBI in 58 games.
RF Willy Montero: 3-for-6, HR (7), RBI, 2 RS, K
Montero’s HR was hit 431 feet at 109.6 MPH.
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, RS, SB (1), CS (1), 2 BB
The left-handed bat was their 12th-round pick out of Kansas State. He hit .302/.442/.500 with 69 runs scored and 40 stolen bases in 42 attempts over 61 games for the Wildcats. At the very least, he’ll add speed to the organization.
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, HBP, 2 K
Green was their 14th-round pick out of Texas Tech. He hit .322/.435/.546 in 51 games this season. He is 22 years old and bats right-handed.
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 SB (28), CS (5), 2 BB, HBP, K

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (L, 4-8)  1.2 IP, 7 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
5.65 ERA (94 IP, 99 H, 63 R, 59 ER, 11 HR, 31 BB, 97 K)
RHP Jordy Luciano: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Kristofer Bow: 1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
RHP Luis Pacheco: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (16-28) (Lost to the DSL Tigers, 5-3)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, RS, BB
.230/.310/.324 in 155 PA (22-for-25 SB).
DH Richard Matic: 1-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RBI, K

RHP Alexander Almonte: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
2.66 ERA (23.2 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 25 K). Not bad for a 17-year-old in his debut season.
RHP Miguelangel Rodriguez: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL Bombers (25-21) (Defeated the DSL Twins, 4-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB, K
.214/.301/.393 in 133 PA. He is 5-for-12 with 3 HR in August.
DH Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, RS, K
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, K

LHP Franyer Herrera: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
The 19-year-old owns a 50/15 K/BB over 39.1 innings.
RHP Carlos Almonte (W, 2-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Yankees MILB 8/4: Spencer Jones Homers, Doubles Twice

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (60-47) (Defeated Louisville, 5-2. Scranton is having a season where their overall record is good, but they didn’t win the first half and are currently behind in the second half).

DH Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, SB (4), K
For Scranton: .302/.343/.460 in 67 PA. Since his most recent comeback from injury: 5-for-27 (.185) with one extra-base hit (double). Patience.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, BB
SS Oswald Peraza: 2-for-4, 2 HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
.243/.348/.376 in 265 PA (9 doubles, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 38 R, 16-for-20 SB). Peraza has 6 HR in his last 12 games. Before this stretch, his triple slash was .229/.344/.279. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-1, HBP, 2 BB
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (3), BB, K
RF Jahmai Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
Jones cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton.
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, RS, BB
Since promotion: .356/.482/.511 in 56 PA with more walks (9) than strikeouts (6).
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
LF Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 5-8)  7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
6.22 ERA (102.2 IP, 109 H, 76 R, 71 ER, 22 HR, 50 BB, 91 K). Last 4 starts: 23 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 BB, 21 K
LHP Tim Mayza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (52-50) (Swept a doubleheader against Bowie. The Patriots are 20-13 in the second half as they make a push for the playoffs (1 game out))

Game 1 (Won, 4-1. Because this was the conclusion of a suspended game from last night, it went the full nine innings)

DH Caleb Durbin: 0-for-3, 2 BB
Durbin is only 3-for-24 since being placed here but has six walks and only three strikeouts.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, BB, K
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, 2 K
Since promotion: 9-for-45 (.200) with three home runs. He missed a month due to injury.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (17), 2 RBI, RS, K
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, HR (9), RBI, RS, 2 BB
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, K

RHP Colby White: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Ben Shields: (W, 2-1)  6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, HR
Since promotion: 1.95 ERA (27.2 IP, 22 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 30 K). Overall, he owns a 3.20 ERA in 81.2 IP (65 H, 37 R, 29 ER, 7 HR, 22 BB, 102 K). His ERA was hurt by an emergency appearance in Scranton, where he allowed 9 runs in 1.2 IP.
RHP Joey Gerber (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Game 2 (Won, 6-1. This was a 7-inning game)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-4, 2 2B (19), HR (13), 4 RBI, RS
Jones is hitting .245 with a .758 OPS in 402 PA (19 doubles, 3 triples, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 55 R, 21-for-27 SB, 10.9% BB, 36.6% K). This is the 5th time this season he has compiled 6+ total bases. His high is 11, set on June 30th.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RS
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, K
Flores has brought a power game with him to Somerset. He has 6 doubles and 7 HR in 32 games (17 singles).
DH Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, RS
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, 2B (22), SB (12)
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, K
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, RS, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, RS, BB
3B Max Burt: 1-for-2, RS, BB

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 8-7)  5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
5.22 ERA (112 IP, 116 H, 68 R, 65 ER, 10 HR, 37 BB, 103 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 10.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 16 K. The Yankees set their bullpen for 2024 at the deadline (Reyzelman was a long-shot candidate regardless), but he should be in the mix sometime in 2025.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Stevens allows his second career HR (43.2 IP). 

Hudson Valley (52-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 7-5)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
.217/.342/.382 in 364 PA (18 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 56 R, 14.0% BB, 17.3% K, 17-for-22 SB). His BABIP hasn’t normalized much this season (.248). 
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, RS, HBP
.250/.329/.403 in 365 PA (22 doubles, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 43 R, 8.8% BB, 26.3% K). Last season, he owned a 29.6% K in Low-A (for the Brewers’ organization)
1B Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 HR (13), 4 RBI, 2 RS
Martinez’s third career multi-HR game (he had a 3-HR effort on August 1, 2023). He is hitting .236/.367/.419 in 346 PA. 
C Antonio Gomez: 2-for-4, 2B (8), RS, K
Gomez has three multi-hit efforts in his last five games and has doubled in five straight contests. 
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, RS, K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-1, RS, SB (12), 2 BB, HBP
DH Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, SB (5)

RHP Trent Sellers: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
12 up, 12 down. His ERA is now 2.40 (63.2 IP, 34 H, 25 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 30 BB, 74 K). He has four no-hit performances in his last five games (17.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 18 K). That’s an impressive run.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 5-2) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.60 ERA (35 IP, 28 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 48 K)
LHP Joel Valdez: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
It has been a rehab year for Cohen. Will he get to Somerset this year? He did get there briefly in 2023.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.53 ERA (35.2 IP, 32 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 6 HR, 11 BB, 39 K)
RHP Sebastian Keane (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.84 ERA (70.2 IP, 64 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 35 BB, 69 K). Keane started most of the season. They could be limiting his innings down the stretch.

Tampa (43-56)

Their game against Lakeland was canceled due to Tropical Storm Debby. It will not be made up.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-27) 

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (23-21) 

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 8/3: Oswald Peraza Homers Again

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (59-47) (Lost to Louisville, 8-2)

CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-5, 2B (4), RS, 2 K
When the big club plays well, there is less pressure to move Dominguez quickly. Let him get in as many plate appearances as he needs to get back into a groove. By the way, one of Dominguez’s outs was hit 407 feet at 106.2 MPH.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, BB, K
.246/.383/.377 in 271 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 31 R, 12.9% BB, 15.9% K, 12-for-17 SB)
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-3, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS, HBP
A 394-foot/104 MPH HR for Peraza, who is hitting .239/.346/.347 in 261 PA for Scranton and has three home runs in his last seven games.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
DH Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, HR (10), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K
Trammell has four home runs in his last six games. He is hitting .244/.366/.488 in 246 PA with 10 homers and 10 stolen bases.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 2B (15), 2 RS, K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
2B Kevin Smith: 1-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, RS, 2 K
LF Josh VanMeter: 1-for-2, 2B (10), SF, 2 RBI, BB

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.03 ERA (58 IP, 41 H, 27 R, 26 ER, 7 HR, 34 BB, 64 K). It’s been a weird season for Gomez, who I expect the Yankees trade at some point before Opening Day, 2025.
RHP Duane Underwood Jr. (W, 3-1): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Nick Burdi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Burdi’s fastball maxed out at 96.3.
RHP Scott Effross: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
A much-needed clean effort. For Scranton: 14.2 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 12 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (50-50) (Lead Bowie, 1-0, in the third inning. The game was suspended due to rain)

DH Caleb Durbin: 0-for-1
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-1
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-1
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-1
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-1, K
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-1
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-1, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-1, HR (9), RBI, RS
Seigler will have two HR in his last four games once this becomes official.
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-0

RHP Colby White: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (51-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 8-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-5, 2 K
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
1B Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
C Antonio Gomez: 3-for-4, 2B (7), HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
Gomez is 7-for-14 in his last four games.
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
DH Christopher Familia: 2-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, RS, K
LF Anthony Hall: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, RS, K

RHP Baron Stuart: (W, 6-3)  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.02 ERA (80.2 IP, 74 H, 37 R, 36 ER, 4 HR, 29 BB, 71 K)
RHP Sean Boyle: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Balboni’s organizational debut. The 24-year-old was the “other guy” in the Enyel De Los Santos – Brandon Lockridge transaction.

Tampa (43-56) (Split a doubleheader against Lakeland. They are now 18-15 in the second half)

Game 1 (Won, 4-3)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, RS
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, RS, BB
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-3
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, RBI
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3
Since promotion: .255/.317/.314 in 60 PA.
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-2, RS, SB (24), BB, 2 K
LF Joe Delossantos: 1-for-3, 2 K
Delossantos, their 10th-round pick out of William & Mary, earns his first professional hit. 

RHP Josh Grosz: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
For Tampa: 4.00 ERA (78.2 IP, 73 H, 50 R, 35 ER, 9 HR, 29 BB, 95 K). He made emergency starts for Hudson Valley and Somerset earlier this year which didn’t go well. He wasn’t ready for it. Since returning from the start for Somerset, he’s been dominant.
RHP Chris Kean: (W, 1-0)  0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
His Low-A debut wasn’t a long one, but he earned the win. He threw 24 pitches, maxing out at 94.4. He mixed in a slider and curve.
RHP Aaron Nixon (S, 4): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.09 ERA (50.2 IP, 31 H, 27 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 38 BB, 53 K)

Game 2 (Lost, 6-5)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, SB (30)
.232/.344/.348 in 366 PA (17 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 46 R, 30-for-34 SB, 12.8% BB, 24.0% K)
DH Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 3 K
.226/.321/.370 in 424 PA (15 doubles, 7 triples, 8 HR, 55 RBI, 58 R, 27-for-38 SB, 11.6% BB, 32.5% K). Lombard and Arias are within one point of each other in OPS. 
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, RS, BB
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-3, RBI, RS
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, RS, 2 K
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-1, RS, 2 SB (26), 2 BB
Your reminder that Morales stole one base in 104 college games.
C Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-2, SB (1), BB, 2 K
The 23-year-old Cobb was drafted by the Padres in 2019 but did not sign (39th round, which no longer exists). After attending Stanford, the Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent this year. In 55 games for the Cardinal, he hit .320/.363/.500 with 7 homers and 33 RBI. In his five years, he hit .306/.353/.458 in 546 PA with 13 homers and 69 RBI. While he played other positions in his college career, he spent his entire 5th year at second base.

RHP Cade Smith: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
3.47 ERA (85.2 IP, 59 H, 39 R, 33 ER, 5 HR, 40 BB, 111 K). I am always nervous when a pitcher is pulled, but this is his debut season so they might be controlling his innings. Anyway, Smith is trying to build off a strong July (1.35 ERA; 20 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 8 BB, 28 K)
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.49 ERA (50.2 IP, 27 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 26 BB, 59 K). Rodriguez wasn’t picked in the 2023 Rule 5 draft and it seems doubtful he will be picked in 2024, but you never know.
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: (L, 1-1)  0.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Matt Givin : 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-27) (Lost to DSL Mets Orange, 6-2)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-4, RS, SB (4)
CF Isael Arias: 1-for-3, RBI
2B Jelson Coca: 1-for-2, 3B (2), RS, SB (3), BB

RHP Jorge Luna: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
2.04 ERA (35.1 IP, 23 H, 13 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 43 K)
RHP Oscar Vasquez: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K

DSL Bombers (23-21) (Lost to DSL Mets Blue, 2-1)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, HBP, K
LF Richard Meran: 2-for-2, CS (2), HBP
RF David Carrera: 1-for-3, RBI, K
Only 17, Carrera is hitting .266/.404/.405 in 99 PA (debut season)

RHP Jerson Alejandro: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
The 6’6″ RHP puts together a dominating performance. He owns a 4.45 ERA (30.1 IP, 17 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 0 HR, 28 BB, 50 K)

Yankees MILB 8/2: Francisco Vilorio Homers Twice

News:

Since the Olympics are front and center, the last few days with the “thrill of victory” (promotions) and the “agony of defeat” (releases). It’s the unfortunate reality of prospect-watching.

The releases are RHP Montana Semmel, RHP Nicio Rodriguez, RHP Nick Paciorek, 3B Beau Brewer, and CF Nelson Medina. There are other players down in the FCL/DSL, as well. You have seen me write about most of these players. Rodriguez hadn’t pitched since 2021 due to injuries. Paciorek pitched well in Hudson Valley in 2023 but was also a victim of the injury bug.

Hopefully, they can find jobs with other organizations or independent ball.

Veteran infielder Rougned Odor (who never appeared in a game after the Yankees signed him to a minor league deal) was also released.

With releases come promotions. I will report on them as they start playing.

Scranton (58-47) (Lost to Louisville, 4-2)

CF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-4, 3 K
Dominguez’s first full game in the field since coming back.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, 2B (8)
Vivas has four multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
3B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (18), RS, BB
Since promotion: .291/.343/.470 in 329 PA (18 doubles, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 50 R, 6.7% BB, 17.6% K). He is on a 7-game hitting streak (9-for-30).
DH Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4
RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4
SS Kevin Smith: 1-for-4, 2B (11), RBI, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, K
14-for-39 (.359) with four doubles and a homer since his promotion. He is 29 years old, but didn’t convert to catching until recently.
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-4, K

LHP Thomas Pannone (L, 5-9): 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
LHP Victor Gonzalez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Phil Bickford: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Tim Mayza: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

Somerset (50-50) (Lost to Bowie, 3-2)

2B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, 2B (2), K
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 4 K
Yes, I get the frustration of fans who see Jones go on a run only to have a night like this. The Yankees love him and are willing to live through the growing pains. That could change if the right trade opportunity comes along this winter. Yes, signing Juan Soto long-term can be a factor.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RS
3B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, HR (6), RBI, RS, CS (1), 2 BB
Hardman has 32 home runs in 118 Double-A games.
LF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-2, 2 BB
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, RBI, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
1B Max Burt: 0-for-3, K

RHP Chase Hampton: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Hampton’s first Somerset appearance this season. I can see him finishing the year in Scranton if all goes well.
RHP Matt Sauer: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Danny Watson (L, 1-3): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
I mentioned Eric Reyzelman as the organization’s best relief prospect. A healthy Watson is high on the list, as well. I am not worried about his overall 2024 statistics.
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Carlos Gomez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (50-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 7-1, in a 7-inning game. The game started late due to rain, so they cut it short)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, RS, K
1B Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, RS, BB
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, 2B (6), RBI, RS
I wish Gomez’s bat would develop, as he is one of the few catching prospects who has few questions about sticking there. 
DH Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, RS, SB (10), K
3B Kiko Romero: 2-for-3, HR (6), RBI, 2 RS
Romero’s first home run since July 4th. 
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, BB
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-3, 2 RBI
Hall has a pair of multi-hit efforts in his last three games. Hopefully, this is a sign that he will finish strongly.
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 6-4) 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
2.60 ERA (86.2 IP, 60 H, 34 R, 25 ER, 7 HR, 38 BB, 108 K). Schlittler tied his personal best for strikeouts in a game and may be their most consistent minor league starter this season. 
RHP Kelly Austin:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The organizational debut for Austin, who was acquired from the Houston Astros for Caleb Ferguson. He pitched to a 2.21 ERA in 36.2 innings for Houston’s Low-A/High-A clubs.
RHP Luis Arejula: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (41-56) (Lost to Lakeland, 4-3)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, RS, SB (29), 2 K
Lombard Jr. is 29-for-33 (87.9%) in the stolen base department.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, RS, SB (27), BB
Arias is 27-for-38 (71.1%) in the stolen base department. That should improve with experience. His strikeout rate is 32.5%, which is an improvement over where he was earlier this season.
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RS, SB (2)
Jasso has three multi-hit efforts in his last six games.
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, BB, K
.255/.388/.407 in 327 PA. 
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, 2 BB
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, 2 K
   PH-DH Joe Delossantos: 0-for-1, BB, K
Delossantos is the first 2024 draftee to make his debut. He was their 10th-round pick, signing for a mere $7,500 (he had zero leverage). The right-handed hitting outfielder out of William & Mary is 23 years old, so it makes sense that they would place him here out of the shoot. He hit .330/.431/.584 in 57 games for the Tribe this season.

RHP Andrew Landry: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Last year’s 16th-round pick makes his Tampa debut. In the FCL, he tossed 9.1 innings, giving up two runs on nine hits with a 14/3 K/BB. He showed off a 6-pitch mix tonight, maxing out at 95.7 with his 4-seam fastball and 95 with his sinker. He mixed in a slider, curve, change, and cutter. The Yankees have a track record of success with mid-round pitching, so watch him.
LHP Will Brian: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
This is not the 25-year-old’s Tampa debut, as he appeared in 2022 and 2023. The 10th-round pick in 2022 out of Eastern Kentucky is 25 years old and features a sinker/curve combo. He generated an impressive ten whiffs tonight.
RHP Jordy Luciano: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia (L, 3-3): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-26) (Lost to DSL Cardinals, 11-9. This was the TAME game down in the DSL today)

SS Dexters Peralta: 2-for-5, 2 RS, SB (21), 2 K
Peralta has three multi-hit efforts in his last four games and is 21-for-24 in the stolen base category.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
C Luis Puello: 2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS, K
.321/.424/.512 in 99 PA (4 doubles, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 16 R, 3-for-3 SB). He is only 18 years old.
2B Geyber Blanco: 2-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, RS
LF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (5), 3 RBI, RS, K
CF Louis Pierre: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, 2 SB (12)
1B Niurby Asigen: 2-for-4, SB (7), K
DH Diego Gonzalez: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, K
The 17-year-old left-handed hitting outfielder makes his professional debut.

DSL Bombers (23-20) (Lost to the DSL Twins, 21-19, in 13 innings. That isn’t a typo)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 3-for-7, 2B (7), 2 HR (3), 5 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
A big day for the bonus baby outfielder. This increases his triple slash from .190/.265/.295 to .205/.280/.366. He is only 17.
C Queni Pineda: 2-for-5, 2B (7), HR (3), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
The 17-year-old has a .245/.437/.415 line in 126 plate appearances.
SS Christofer Reyes: 3-for-7, 3 RS, SB (14), 1 BB, 3 K
2B-1B Luis Escudero: 1-for-4, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
1B Carlos Villarroel: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
LF David Carrera: 2-for-6, 3 RBI, RS, K
CF Angel Ventura: 2-for-7, RBI, 3 RS, CS (2), 2 K

RHP Mariano Salomon: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Yes, the game got out of hand after he left the game. They used nine total pitchers. Salomon (21) has a 1.75 ERA and 40/10 K/BB over 36 innings.

Yankees MILB 8/1: Zach Messinger Goes 7 Strong

News:

LHP Chasen Shreve was released from his contract for Scranton. Today is August 1st, so the odds are good that he had an opt-out. He pitched in ten games for Scranton, posting a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings.

As I pointed out yesterday, RHP Nick Burdi has options. Today, his rehab stint ended and he was optioned to Scranton. How far have the Yankees come? Jake Cousins, Michael Tonkin, and Tim Hill are blocking Burdi, who many saw as a potential key contributor when the season began. He still can be, but it will require an injury/implosion for him to get his next chance. If/when RHP Scott Effross is ready, he will join the mix.

Scranton (57-46) (Lost to Louisville, 10-8)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, BB, K
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, 2B (9), 2 RS, SB (16), K
Peraza is attempting to build on his .279/.367/.453 July.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, HR (12), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
Rumfield is hitting .288 with a .803 OPS since his promotion. If Rumfield can combine batting average with home runs, there could be something to work with (before 2023, he was a decent batting average guy with little power. In 2023, he showed off power with a low batting average). 
CF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-2, 2B (16), HR (9), 2 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB
Trammell has three homers in his last four games. 
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, RS, BB
Escarra is 14-for-38 (.371) with four doubles since his promotion.
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-4, RBI
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-4
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-4, 3 K

LHP Tanner Tully: 4 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.13 ERA (32 IP, 21 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 37 K). I hope Mauricio makes it to MLB. It’s been a grind going back to 2017.
RHP Art Warren: (L, 1-1) 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Effross needs clean outings before he is considered for the big club.
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (50-49) (Defeated Bowie, 6-2)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-2, 2B (17), 3 RS, 3 BB, K
Jones’ OPS is .745. This is his highest number since May 3rd (.767). In his last 6 games, he is 7-for-21 (.333) with 3 doubles, 1 HR, 5 RBI, and 6 walks.
1B Tyler Hardman: 3-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS, 2 SB (6)
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (7), 3 RBI, RS, BB
Flores’ power display has become serious. He has homered in back-to-back games and four times in his last eight games. Overall, he has 13 HR in 86 games between here and Hudson Valley. Last season, he hit 8 HR in 105 games.
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, BB, K
CF Grant Richardson: 2-for-5, 2 K
Richardson has three straight multi-hit efforts.
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-3, CS (5), HBP
Vargas is 29-for-111 (.261/.297/.396) since his promotion. That may not jump out at you, but his defense provides additional value.
3B Max Burt: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Zach Messinger:  (W, 3-8) 7 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
3.61 ERA (114.2 IP, 95 H, 63 R, 46 ER, 7 HR, 38 BB, 110 K). Messinger is an interesting prospect who stands 6’6″. He might have that “bulldog” quality. Can he translate that to MLB? We’ll see.
RHP McKinley Moore: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
His arm is worth investing development time in. But it’s going to take a lot of work.
RHP Kevin Stevens: (S, 7)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.37 ERA (38 IP, 28 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 55 K). He has impressed.

Hudson Valley (49-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 4-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, HR (8), RBI, RS
.223/.349/.394 in 351 PA. Much of Riggio’s profile is solid – his .254 BABIP is on the low side.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-3, HR (9), SF, 2 RBI, RS
Avina and Riggio went back-to-back. Avina needed the calendar change after going 7-for-73 in July.
1B Omar Martinez: 2-for-4
It appears that Martinez is a “one level at a time” prospect. They didn’t move him away from Tampa in 2023 and may not move him away from Hudson Valley in 2024. There is nothing wrong with that. No two players are developed the same.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 K
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, K
DH Christopher Familia:  0-for-2, RS, BB, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2B (12), RBI, SB (11), K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, 2B (7), RS

RHP Blane Abeyta: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 4-2)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.71 ERA (34 IP, 28 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 48 K)
LHP Joel Valdez: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating (S, 3): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.50 ERA (56 IP, 40 H, 31 R, 28 ER, 8 HR, 23 BB, 66 K)

Tampa (41-55)

Their game against Lakeland was postponed. A lineup was never posted.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-25)

Their game against DSL Phillies Red was canceled due to a tropical rainstorm. It will not be made up.

DSL Bombers (23-19)

Their game against DSL Mets Orange was canceled due to a tropical rainstorm. It will not be made up.

Yankees MILB 7/31: Jesus Rodriguez: HR, 4 RBI

News:

Brian Cashman said Jack Flaherty‘s medical records didn’t scare the Yankees. Without any evidence to support my theory, I think the Tigers and Yankees had a deal in place (whether the Cardinals were involved, who knows?). The Yankees saw the medicals and tried to amend the terms. The Tigers didn’t like the “secondary” prospects the Yankees switched to (which was confirmed by Bryan Hoch tonight I honestly wrote that sentence before Hoch’s tweet). If true, Cashman and Ken Rosenthal are at least partially telling the truth.

Regardless, the Yankees didn’t have a “wow” deadline. Hardly anyone did. Most of the best players rumored to be on the market went nowhere. While I wish the Yankees did more, this is a good thing. Why? Because I don’t think the Yankees would have been able to compete with other teams regarding prospect packages for top players. Do we think the Yankees had the chips for Tarik Skubal or Garrett Crochet? I don’t.

Scranton (57-45) (Squeaked past Louisville, 2-1)

CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-3, RS, BB
Dominguez’s hitting streak ended yesterday but he still owns a 12-game on-base streak.
  RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-0
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, CS (5)
Vivas is 8-for-24 (.333) in his last six games.
SS Oswald Peraza: 2-for-4, 2B (8), HR (4), 3 RBI, RS, K
.242/.348/.336 in 248 PA. Entering July, his triple slash was .216/.336/.256.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, RS, K
Rumfield has a 5-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 8 of his last 9 games (12-for-36). 
RF-CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS
1B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-1, 3 BB
3B Kevin Smith: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-2, RS, SB (4), 2 BB

LHP Josh Maciejewski: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
The Railriders’ pitching staff may be running on fumes soon. They’ve had to adjust over the past week. Luckily, Edgar Barclay gave them some length on Tuesday.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda (W, 6-0): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.71 ERA (51 IP, 32 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 5 HR, 28 BB, 64 K). Under the old rules (didn’t have to face three batters, rosters expanding to 40), Mosqueda would be a September call-up candidate. He is holding left-handed hitters to a .118 batting average.
RHP Nick Burdi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Burdi has options, so they can place him here after his rehab stint ends.
LHP Victor Gonzalez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Tim Mayza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (49-49) (Defeated Bowie, 13-12, in a crazy one. The Patriots had a 10-3 lead at one point)

3B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
Durbin is 2-for-17 with four walks and two strikeouts since being placed here.
  3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-1, K
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (16), SF, 3 RBI, BB, K
.240/.323/.412 in 384 PA (16 doubles, 3 triples, 12 HR, 54 RBI, 51 R, 21-for-26 SB, 10.4% BB, 36.7% K). July: .203/.297/.392.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-6, HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SB (1)
Rodriguez has homered in back-to-back games. Over his last three games, he has played 1B/3B/C, showing us his unique versatility profile. 
1B Rafael Flores: 3-for-6, 2B (4), HR (6), RBI, RS, 3 K
Since promotion: .239/.325/.440 in 123 PA with 4 doubles and 6 homers (3 HR in last 7 games).
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 RS, HBP
LF Grant Richardson: 3-for-3, RS, SB (11), HBP, BB
Richardson’s 5th 3+ hit game this season. 
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 3 BB, 2 K
SS Max Burt: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 3 RS, SB (3), 2 BB, K

RHP Bailey Dees: 4 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 3 HR
4.63 ERA (105 IP, 92 H, 59 R, 54 ER, 18 HR, 41 BB, 107 K). Dees’ gas tank may be closing in on empty. The reliever-to-starter transition isn’t easy.
RHP Jesus Liranzo (W, 5-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Joey Gerber: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Eric Reyzelman (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
A performance like this stands out in a wild scorefest. At this level: 2.89 ERA (9.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 15 K). With Jack Neely gone, Reyzelman is probably the top relief prospect in the system.

Hudson Valley (48-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 6-5. They scored 4 in the bottom of the 9th to win it)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (18), RS, K
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, K
   RF Nelson Medina: 0-for-0, RS, HBP, BB
3B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2B (10), 3 RBI, BB
Moylan hit a game-winning 3-run single in the bottom of the 9th (the third run scored on an error). He is hitting .252/.372/.372 in 301 PA and has three straight multi-hit games. The most important thing is that his power is starting to show up.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, 2B (11), BB
.229/.363/.399 in 331 PA (11 doubles, 1 triple, 11 HR, 34 RBI, 37 R). 
DH Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-4, RS
LF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, RS, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
5.61 ERA (77 IP, 77 H, 57 R, 48 ER, 5 HR, 45 BB, 70 K). Last 3 starts: 15 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 15 K. Carr appears to be adjusting…
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.15 ERA (54.1 IP, 46 H, 23 R, 19 ER, 5 HR, 20 BB, 66 K)
RHP Huey Morrill (W, 3-2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (41-55) (Split a doubleheader against Lakeland)

Game 1 (Won, 3-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-3, 3B (2), RS
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-1, 2 BB
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-3
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-3, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB

RHP Bryce Warrecker (W, 1-3): 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Warrecker’s first career win- congrats (he has only 13 starts, and this was the first time they let him qualify for a win!)
RHP Matt Givin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Montana Semmel (S, 6): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 12-5)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS, K
Lombard Jr. was in a 4-for-29 slump before his homer. He is hitting .232 with a .702 OPS and 4 of his 5 homers were hit in July.
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, BB, K
Arias finishes 22-for-78 in July (.282) with five doubles and a pair of homers. He walked 13 times and struck out 20 times (41 strikeouts in June).
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
Jasso is tied for third (with Roderick Arias) in the FSL with 54 RBI.
DH Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, K
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (5), RS, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RS
Gonzalez is 12-for-45 (.267) since his promotion. 
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, RS, 2 K
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 K

RHP Luis Serna: (L, 2-6)  1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Luis, the cousin of Jared Serna (traded yesterday), left tonight’s game due to an injured elbow.
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
2.59 ERA (48.2 IP, 27 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 7 HR, 25 BB, 59 K)
RHP Kristofer Bow: 0 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Bow’s first appearance since June 15th. Tonight’s results aren’t what he wanted, but at least he is back.
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-25) (Defeated Padres Gold, 7-5)

DH Dexters Peralta: 2-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, RS
Peralta has four multi-hit efforts in his last eight games.
C Luis Puello: 3-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS
.313/.421/.475 in 95 PA. He is 18 years old.
LF Gabriel Lara: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (13), CS (4), HBP
.228/.343/.293 in 108 PA. Will the hit tool develop? That’s the question.
RF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, RS, BB

RHP Alexander Almonte: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The 17-year-old owns a 2.53 ERA in 21.1 IP (17 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 21 K)

DSL Bombers (23-19)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 7/30: Spencer Jones Homers, Steals 2 Bases

News:

The Yankees released IF Jeter Downs today, allowing him to sign in Japan.  Downs hit .264/.360/.498 (117 wRC+) in 274 plate appearances for Scranton.

The Yankees signed Brett Phillips to a minor-league deal. They signed him as a pitcher, which could be fun. Phillips’ best attribute as a position player was his Immaculate Grid game, as he appeared in 393 games for five different clubs. He recently threw 97 MPH in an NBC World Series game, whatever that is (Update: The NBC World Series is an annual event going back to 1935! I never heard of it).

It will be fun to follow his progress.

Trades:

LHP Caleb Ferguson was traded to Houston for international bonus pool money and RHP Kelly Austin

The Yankees acquired a pair of left-handed relievers from the Dodgers over the winter, and neither panned out. Ferguson pitched to a 5.13 ERA (4.27 FIP) over 33.1 IP with a 26.5% K, 10.3% BB, and 1.35 HR/9. The Yankees acquired him because of his ability to miss bats, and his strikeout rate was his highest since 2020. However, he didn’t impress overall. The Yankees acquired him for LHP Matt Gage and RHP Christian Zazueta. The Dodgers traded Gage to the Mets (he was called up yesterday) while Zazueta owns a 7.10 ERA in 41.1 innings for the Dodgers’ Rookie League/Low-A affiliates.

Austin (23) was signed by the Astros as an undrafted free agent in 2023. The UCLA product owns a 2.21 ERA (3.60 FIP) over 36.2 IP between Low-A/High-A with impressive strikeout (31.1%) and walk (4.7%) rates.

IF Ben Cowles and RHP Jack Neely were traded to the Chicago Cubs for RHP Mark Leiter Jr.

Cowles and Neely have raised their stock in 2024, and the Yankees cashed in the chips. I sound like a broken record, but if you are a Yankees fan, your reality has to be that most prospects are built up as trade chips.

Leiter Jr. doesn’t throw hard, but he generates a ton of strikeouts, a need for the Yankees’ bullpen. A starter in the minors (he made some starts for the Phillies in 2017), Leiter has found a groove as a relief pitcher. Over the past three seasons, he owns a 3.85 ERA (3.62 FIP) over 168.1 innings with a 28.8% K and 8.8% BB. While his ERA is up in 2024 (4.21), his FIP (2.11) is the best of his career.  This season, he abandoned his 4-seam fastball while increasing his slider/sweeper usage. When pitchers move to the bullpen, they dump most of their pitches and concentrate on two or three. That isn’t the case with Leiter, who continues to throw a 5-pitch mix. In back-to-back games in late May, he allowed 7 runs while recording only three outs. Beyond that and a hiccup in mid-June, he has pitched well.

Cowles is hitting .294/.376/.472 (141 wRC+) in 378 plate appearances in Double-A. The University of Maryland product has played second, short, and third base. He could have been in the 2025 mix at second base/utility, but players of his ilk don’t typically make it to the Bronx. He will have an opportunity in Chicago.

Neely was the Yankees’ top relief prospect. The 24-year-old owns a 2.81 ERA in 41.2 IP between Double-A and Triple-A with a 63/16 K/BB. He stands an impressive 6’8″ and will likely debut for the Cubs this season.

While I label Neely as their top relief prospect, the Yankees are good at building up relief prospects. As I stated the other day, the Yankees likely would have considered Neely if they couldn’t find someone on the market.

OF Brandon Lockridge was traded to the San Diego Padres for RHP Enyel De Los Santos and RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.

De Los Santos is a 28-year-old who misses bats (28.2% K). He also allows an insane number of home runs (2.45/9 this season). However, his home run rates were fine in 2022 and 2023. Unlike Leiter, he is traditional as he comes at hitters with a mid-90s fastball, a slider, and an occasional change-up. His profile doesn’t “wow” me, but the Yankees had an obvious objective to acquire relievers who can strike hitters out. If they feel his HR rate will normalize (20.9% HR/FB is ridiculous), maybe they have a diamond in the rough.

Balboni Jr. (it doesn’t appear that he has a relation to former Yankees’ first baseman Steve Balboni) was drafted by the Padres in the 15th round of the 2022 draft out of Northeastern. The 23-year-old pitched for Low-A Lake Eisinore this season, compiling a 4.46 ERA in 34.1 IP with a ridiculous 38.2% strikeout rate. However, he walks batters at a 12.7% clip.

Lockridge is a speedy grinder (34-for-38 stealing bases this year) with a 4th/5th outfielder profile. He hit .295/.405/.383 for Scranton this season. He is 27 years old and might be approaching minor league free agency.

Overall Deadline Thoughts:

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is the headline move. How you think about this deadline is how you evaluate him (so far, so good). The Yankees did not add to their rotation but added a pair of strikeout arms to their bullpen (an obvious need).

The Dodgers pulled off a deal for RHP Jack Flaherty. The return included former Yankees’ farmhand Trey Sweeney. In theory, the Yankees could have beat the Dodgers offer.  However, it is hard to know how organizations value prospects. Hence, when people tweet “comparable packages” on Twitter, that is based on prospect rankings and values that may not (probably don’t) match the Tigers’ internal evaluations.

It wasn’t a bad deadline. I tend to agree that it feels incomplete.

Scranton (57-45) (Squeaked past Louisville, 2-1)

CF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-2, SB (3), BB
When Dominguez starts playing full games in the field, the “call-up” clock starts. They won’t do it unless there is a clear path to playing time.
  LF Josh VanMeter: 0-for-1
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, 2 BB
For Scranton: .244/.385/.381 in 221 PA. He owns a 14.9% BB rate at this level.
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
Peraza has a 13.1% BB rate for Scranton (9.7% in 2023)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, RS
DH Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3
3B Kevin Smith: 2-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS
Smith’s 2-run HR in the 7th won the game.
RF-CF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-3, K
LF-RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, K

LHP Edgar Barclay: 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
6.59 ERA (95.2 IP, 106 H, 75 R, 70 ER, 21 HR, 49 BB, 84 K). Last 3 starts: 16 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 6 BB, 14 K.
LHP Chasen Shreve (W, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Phil Bickford (S, 5): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (48-49) (Lost to Bowie, 7-6)

DH Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, RS, CS (1), BB, K
Durbin was CS in the top of the 9th, down by a run with no outs and Spencer Jones at the plate. Tsk, tsk.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, HR (12), 2 RBI, RS, 2 SB (21), BB, K
When he has nights like this, you become excited. I believe the Yankees were willing to deal Jones, but not for a rental starter. That would have taken him off the table for Jack Flaherty.
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-5, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
Rodriguez is 6-for-31 (.194) since his promotion. He missed a month due to injury.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, RS, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 2-for-4, HR (8), RBI, RS
Seigler had a home run binge earlier this season. This is his first since June 20th.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Vargas is hitting a respectable .252 with a .676 OPS at this level.

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 5.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
5.47 ERA (107 IP, 115 H, 68 R, 65 ER, 10 HR, 35 BB, 97 K). This season has been a learning experience for Vrieling. Here’s hoping he finishes strongly.
RHP Danny Watson: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
With Neely leaving the nest, Watson moves up the list of relief prospects. An injury delayed his progress in 2024, but six of his last seven appearances have been scoreless. 
RHP Luis Velasquez (L, 3-3): 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR

Hudson Valley (47-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 6-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-5
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-5, K
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 3 K
C Antonio Gomez: 2-for-3, 3 RS, 2B (4), HBP
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-2, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
.248/.368/.366 in 296 PA. Last 6 games: 8-for-23 (1 double, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R, 3 BB, 4 K).
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, 2B (11), RS, 2 K
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-3, 2B (4), 3 RBI, BB
.191/.277/.303 in 101 PA. Familia has struggled somewhat in High-A (.240/.313/.416) after annihilating Low-A pitching (.290/.368/.611).
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
2.56 ERA (59.2 IP, 34 H, 25 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 30 BB, 73 K). As a starter (3 starts): 10.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 14 K. 
RHP Sean Boyle (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Sebastian Keane: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
4.91 ERA (69.2 IP, 64 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 34 BB, 67 K). Keane was a starter until recently. I assume they are controlling his innings down the stretch.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (39-54) 

Their game against Lakeland was postponed.

FCL (35-22)

I was wrong. Will wonders never cease? When the FCL squad lost to the Pirates on Saturday, their season ended. The semi-finals are single elimination.

DSL Yankees (14-25) (Destroyed Arizona Black, 12-1)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (20), 2 BB, 2 K
While strong stolen base rates are common at this level, it impresses me that he is 20-for-23 given his inexperience.
DH Richard Matic: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, 2B (9), 3 RBI, RS, SB (7), 2 BB
CF Gabriel Lara: 2-for-5, RS, SB (12), BB, K
2B Jelson Coca: 2-for-5, 2B (2), 3B (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS
Coca entered the game 4-for-58. This was likely a relief for him!
1B Niurby Asigen: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K

RHP Edinzo Marquez (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
The 19-year-old owns a 1.99 ERA (31.2 IP, 24 H, 11 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 36 K). Goal 1 for an international signee: Get off the island and come stateside. Marquez is likely earning that for 2025.
RHP Jesus Mejia: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The 18-year-old owns a 1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 11 K)

DSL Bombers (23-19) (Split a doubleheader against the DSL Rangers Red)

Game 1 (Won, 3-0)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, RS, 2 K
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, RS, SB (13)
Still 16, Reyes is hitting .200/.313/.227 in 128 PA.
2B Luis Escudero: 2-for-2, 3B (4), RBI, RS, SB (23), BB
1B Carlos Villarroel: 2-for-3, RBI, SB (2), CS (3)

RHP Franyer Herrera (W, 2-1): 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
2.34 ERA (34.2 IP, 29 H, 13 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 44 K). Herrera hasn’t allowed an HR in 55 career IP.
LHP Jose Ledesma (S, 6): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.10 ERA (16.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 20 K)

Game 2 (Lost, 6-5)

CF Browm Martinez: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RS, SB (17), 2 K
17-for-23 SB in 29 games.
DH Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-1, 2B (3), RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
  PR-DH Luis Escudero: 0-for-1
.303/.479/.472 in 121 PA with a 23-for-28 stolen base rate. He has 28 walks and 11 strikeouts.

Yankees MILB 7/28: Brandon Lockridge: 3 BB, 3 SB

News:

We are nearing August 1st and haven’t seen any “mass promotions” yet. That will likely happen after the deadline.

Because we no longer have short-season leagues, promotions come with cuts. It is a harsh reality. While Agustin Ramirez, Jared Serna, and Abrahan Ramirez were in no danger of being cut, Brian Cashman is considering many angles with his deals. The Rule 5 draft, the current 40-man roster, players they want to promote, etc.

As I said yesterday, it’s easy to get attached to prospects. If you read this report, I tend to have a positive slant while mixing in some reality (I think that is fair).

The best advice I can offer: The kids you love to follow will have better MLB opportunities elsewhere. Serna’s probability of making it to MLB increased when the trade was announced.

Scranton (56-45) (Lost to Worcester, 6-5)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-2, 3 SB (34), 3 BB, K
In 164 games over the last two seasons, Lockridge is 74-for-83 stealing bases.
DH Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-5, 2 K
He was out for a while, so I forgot about his hitting streak. He owns a 10-game hitting streak (16-for-42).
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RS, HBP
For Scranton: .247/.383/.385 in 217 PA. With the acquisition of Jazz Chisholm Jr., Vivas can concentrate on finishing strong here and see what opportunities arise in 2025.
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, RS, SB (15)
July: .275/.356/.413 (7-for-9 SB)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, K
Rumfield has 7 RBI in his last 6 games (zero RBI in the previous five games)
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, RS
Escarra has four multi-hit efforts in eight games since his promotion (12-for-28)
2B Kevin Smith: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-4, HR (7), 3 RBI, RS
LF Josh VanMeter: 0-for-4, 2 K

LHP Thomas Pannone: 5 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
One reason why you bring in Pannone: If you trade from your pitching depth, you have someone who can eat minor league innings. The Triple-A season is nearly as much of a grind as the MLB season, minus the insane travel.
RHP Nick Burdi: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Burdi averaged 95.4 MPH with his 4-seamer (averaged 97.5 MPH in MLB this season)
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
For Scranton: 1.16 ERA (31 IP, 20 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 37 K). Mauricio allowed three runs in his second outing this season (April 11th). He’s been dominant since. He relies on a cutter/slider combination with a 4-seamer that he throws in the 92-93 range.
RHP Jack Neely: (L, 1-1) 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
Neely, a call-up candidate, didn’t have it today. Due to his small sample size at this level, this spiked his ERA from 0.93 to 3.38.
LHP Tim Mayza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (48-48) (Lost to Portland, 4-2. Ever since I pointed out how well they are playing, their offense has gone into the tank)

3B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-3
Durbin is 1-for-10 since being placed here. He hasn’t struck out. He is still on a rehab stint that isn’t labeled that way – don’t place him on a “hug” watch because he was pulled.
  2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-1, RS
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, K
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-3, K
No need to place Rodriguez on a “hug” watch – he is still on the “rehab plan”. This is his first game at 1B this season (15 last season).
  RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-0, SF, RBI
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, K
DH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS, 3 K
Hardman has 5 HR in 33 games for Somerset this year (31 in 110 games going back to last year). That is solid pop, though he has struggled with other aspects of his offensive game this year.
RF-1B Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, BB, K
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3
2B-3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Ben Shields: (L, 1-1) 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 2.08 ERA (21.2 IP, 17 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 23 K). Between here, Scranton, and Hudson Valley, Shields is up to 75.2 innings in his debut season.
RHP Matt Sauer: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.48 ERA (36.1 IP, 27 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 52 K). Stevens has impressed and I would like to see him promoted to Scranton. That way, we can get some Savant data.

Hudson Valley (46-48) (Defeated Wilmington, 5-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K
.227/.357/.392 in 337 PA. Splits: .282/.417/.385 against LHP and .218/.347/.393 vs. RHP. He is a left-handed bat.
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-5, RBI
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4
Gomez is 10-for-68 (.147) since joining this level.
3B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, HR (6), RBI, 2 RS, K
Moylan has homered three times in his last five games. He is hitting .242/.360/.361 in 292 PA.
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, 2 BB
CF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-3, RS, HBP
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 3B (1), RBI, RS
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-2, SB (4), CS (2), 2 BB

RHP Baron Stuart: 4 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, HR
3.70 ERA (82.2 IP, 72 H, 36 R, 34 ER, 4 HR, 32 BB, 68 K)
RHP Cole Ayers: (W, 3-4)  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.27 ERA (52.1 IP, 45 H, 23 R, 19 ER, 5 HR, 19 BB, 64 K). 
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.64 ERA (54.1 IP, 40 H, 31 R, 28 ER, 8 HR, 23 BB, 64 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.78 ERA (33.1 IP, 32 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 6 HR, 10 BB, 37 K)
RHP Mason Vinyard (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
3.90 ERA (32.1 IP, 27 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 46 K)
All these relievers likely have a case to go to Somerset, though it’s hard to find room for everyone. 

Tampa (39-54) (Defeated Clearwater, 3-2, in a rain-shortened game. Tampa improves to 16-12 in the second half and 9-1 in their last 10 games)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2
.235/.354/.349 in 345 PA (17 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 33 RBI, 43 R, 28-for-32 SB, 13.6% BB, 24.1% K). He has 41 games at SS, 17 at 2B, and 9 at 3B.
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-2
.222/.319/.365 in 405 PA (15 doubles, 7 triples, 7 HR, 52 RBI, 55 R, 26-for-37 SB, 11.6% BB, 32.8% K). He has 55 games (51 starts) at SS, 30 at SS, and 2 at 3B. I have talked about his extreme splits, but he has improved somewhat against LHP. His average is higher against southpaws (.239 to .218) but everything else continues to show the extremeness.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-1, RS, BB
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-2, 2B (17), RS
.258/.388/.414 in 317 PA (17 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 50 R, 16-for-20 SB, 17.4% BB, 19.6% K)
LF Willy Montero: 1-fo-2, 2 RBI, RS
His 2-run single in the bottom of the 4th tied the game at 2. He is hitting .243/.302/.360 in 348 PA (15 doubles, 2 triples, 6 HR, 43 RBI, 45 R, 9-for-10 SB)
DH Hans Montero: 0-for-1, BB, K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-2, K
C Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-2, RBI, K
Little did he know that his RBI fielder’s choice would prove to be the game-winner. He is 3-for-11 since his promotion.
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-2

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (W, 4-7) 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
Barbosa records his second complete game (neither was 9 innings, obviously). Season: 4.87 ERA (92.1 IP, 92 H, 54 R, 50 ER, 9 HR, 28 BB, 95 K). Barbosa features a 6-pitch mix, throwing five of those pitches 10%+ of the time today. Interestingly, his two most-used pitches are a slider and curve. 

FCL (35-22)

Day off. They must beat the Pirates tomorrow to force a Game 3 in the semi-finals.

DSL Yankees (13-25)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (22-17)

Scheduled day off. The Bombers are in third place, two games behind the Marlins. In the DSL, eight teams make the playoffs (6 division winners + 2 wild cards).